Lam – Lao folk music, extemporaneous singing accompanied by the khene

The royal entourage of Lao kings traditionally included musicians, and a typical orchestra improvised songs with sets of tuned gongs, xylophones, a bamboo flute, and other wind instruments. The Lao orchestra can be divided into two categories:    

• Sep Nyai - This is similar to the Piphat of Thailand with instruments that are strictly percussive but also integrates the use of an oboe.

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•  Sep Noi –This is also known as the Mahori of Thailand. However, it incorporates the use of several Khene which is a large bamboo mouth organ and is the most popular folk music instrument of Laos.