Balinese Percussion Ensemble Information Sheet

You are required to look uniform and neat onstage. Your first impression on the audience is visual. Remember they see you before they hear you. Our goal is to keep the music as the focal point. A uniform, professional look is desirable so as not to distract the audience. Here is the dress code:

• • Pressed black shirt or blouse (no T-shirts or sweaters, no stripes or dots, please!)
  • Black dress pants or long black skirt (no jeans), or Balinese sarung (provided by the Dept. of Music)
  • Black socks (shoes removed for the performance), or barefoot if wearing sarung

3. This is EXTREMELY important in this course as gamelan music is learned by rote.
   • Your PRESENCE and attentiveness at every rehearsal and concert is obligatory (see Attendance Policy). During class time, please limit your coming and going to emergencies only. Attendance will be taken at every rehearsal. Failure to be at a dress rehearsal or concert will FORFEIT course credit.
   • Your PUNCTUALITY is important. Please arrive on time as arriving late hinders learning for others.
   • Note: The director reserves the right to assign the student to another instrument should issues arise with your PRESENCE and PUNCTUALITY.
   • Your PREPARATION:
     • Bring ear plugs, and if needed, a recording device to use as a learning aid after class
     • Memorize your part. You are encouraged to book the ensemble room (see below) to rehearse outside of class time. You may do this on your own or with others, or come to class early, during the director’s office hours (see above).
       • In order to assure that the music is learned and progress can be made as an ensemble, the director reserves the right to do ‘spot checks’ of the parts you have been taught from time to time if it appears that the music has not been adequately learned.
       • Your POSTURE. Be aware that your body is part of your instrument when you are playing. Use good posture – tall back, shoulders relaxed, legs crossed, head forward.
       • Your ATTITUDE and PROFESSIONALISM in rehearsal and on stage is expected. Keep a positive attitude, an open mind, and have fun!

3. 
   a. By joining the ensemble you are making a commitment to all members. You are expected to participate in ALL rehearsals.
   b. For exceptional situations, you may be excused from rehearsal; however, this must be cleared with the director ahead of time, with at least a one-day notification by email or in-person. To ensure this does not get lost or forgotten, please confirm any verbal discussions via email to the director.
   c. In case of illness, a medical note will be required for an excused absence.
   d. Repeated absence by a student will compromise the integrity of the music and hinder learning for others. In such cases, the director reserves the right to assign the student to another instrument, seek replacement, or ask the student to drop the course (in which case, they will not receive credit for the ensemble).
   e. To receive credit, attendance is mandatory:
   1. At all scheduled performance(s)/recording(s)
   2. At all dress rehearsal(s), as applicable
   3. At the last three rehearsals prior to scheduled performance(s)/recording(s)
   4. At any recording session(s), in addition to performance(s)
   5. Before and after a concert/recording to move instruments to and from the venue.

            f. Where a scheduled commitment conflicts with a scheduled class in one of your other courses, your are expected to notify the director by the third rehearsal of the term.  An attempt will be made to work out a solution with you individually.

           g. The attendance policy applies to everyone taking the course for credit or as an extra-curricular
           activity

• Contact Angelica Allen or Claudia van Decker  in the Music Dept. Office (CGR Rm 1103) for room key and booking.

All new and experienced players are expected to attend the first open rehearsal. If we have a surplus of players, a decision will be made by the end of the second rehearsal.

If this is your first term in an ensemble, register for MUSIC 116. Registration in subsequent semesters will use the following course numbers: 117/216/217/316/317/416/417.

*** PLEASE NOTE: In the event, you are not accepted into the ensemble, it is your responsibility to drop the course from your schedule of classes. Credit is based on full participation (see Attendance Policy).

Dewa Suparta is an artist-in-residence at Conrad Grebel University College at the University of Waterloo. A performer, composer, and teacher, he hails from a prominent musical family renowned throughout the island of Bali for their artistry and charisma. A founding member of Gamelan Çudamani––recognized for their creativity––Dewa has toured internationally, performing at sacred music festivals, the Lincoln Center, in Europe, Asia, and North America. As an individual artist, he has engaged in collaborations with international artists and given workshops worldwide. In addition to the ensemble, Dewa offers courses in Balinese music, composition, and culture; teaches private lessons; and leads workshops for courses in music, religious studies, and peace and conflict studies. For more information go to his Academic Profile.

Maisie Sum is an ethnomusicologist, educator, and performer. As a member of Vancouver’s Gamelan Gita Asmara and Montreal’s Gamelan Giri Kedaton,she has performed in Indonesia, the United States, and Canada. As General Director of Grebel’s two ensembles, the UWaterloo Balinese Percussion Ensemble and the Grebel Community Gamelan Warga Santi, she performs throughout the Waterloo Region, leads music workshops, and gives lecture demonstrations. A professor at Conrad Grebel University College, University of Waterloo, she teaches music courses using a cross-cultural approach, including musical rhythms, women and music, and music, health and healing. For more information go to Dr. Sum's Academic Profile.