Description: Balinese Percussion Ensembles are referred to as gamelan (gah-muh-lan), an Indonesian term for music ensemble. Gamelan comprise tuned percussive instruments made of bronze or bamboo, and may feature drums, flutes, strings, and voice. On the island of Bali, there is an array of gamelan and a vast repertoire. Grebel offers an opportunity for students to play in two ensembles: the large gamelan samara dana (up to 30 musicians) or chamber gamelan gender wayang (2 to 4 musicians).
Teaching Method: An oral tradition taught and learned collectively, repertoire is transmitted in a group setting without the use of sheet music. In keeping with the oral process of teaching and learning, emphasis is placed on listening, memorization, and embodiment through repetition, imitation, and consistent practice of hearing and matching details of sound production and articulation. Applying these techniques immediately, students experience a hands-on communal process of learning to play shimmering, lightning-fast rhythms and serene melodies; ultimately creating a unified sound guided by a leader on a double-headed cylindrical drum. This immersive, procedural process reflects and promotes the idea of community and the spirit of interaction highly valued in Bali. Furthermore, it enhances the listening and ensemble skills of students and nurtures their musical development.
Directed by Balinese artist I Dewa Made Suparta, students experience a communal process of creating music while also learning about the culture of Bali. End-of-term concerts may include an opportunity to perform with guest musicians and dancers. No previous experience with gamelan or notation is necessary. Open to all for credit or as an extra-curricular activity.
For those interested in private instruction on Balinese percussive instruments (credit or non-credit), email Maisie Sum or I Dewa Made Suparta.
1. Participant Form
To participate in the Balinese Gamelan Ensemble you need to fill out the Participant Form every term. This includes returning students. There is no LEARN for Ensembles, so this is a crucial step. For further questions please email Angelica Allen, Ensemble Coordinator. Everyone on the Participant List will get a reminder.
2. Information Session
If you have not participated in the Gamelan previously, you will need to attend an information session on Tuesday, January 7 at 4pm in room 1209 at CGUC.
Register on Quest if you are taking the Ensemble for credit. Please note that MUSIC 416 and 417 have been added to the Ensemble Course list. Also note it is your responsibility to drop the course on Quest if you do not pass the audition or choose not to participate. An Ensemble credit is 0.25 units AND you can add this on a normal course load or ask your advisor for permission to override your course limit. There is a $30 fee for students who are not taking the Ensemble for credit, and non-students will be charged a $60 fee.
4. Course requirements
- In person rehearsal Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00-5:30 pm. January 7 at 4:30 will be the first session for returning players, with an intro session on at 4pm for those who are new to the Gamelan or who would like a refresher (see above).
- Winter Term: Saturday, March 29 at 7:30pm in the Humanities Theatre.
- Read the Balinese Percussion Ensemble information sheet. (Winter 2025 coming in December)
- If a one time per week commitment is better for you, Grebel also provides a Community Gamelan.
Please note there is a participation fee for non-students, both in the Community Gamelan and the student Gamelan.
Balinese Percussion Ensemble Evaluation for Fall 2024