Gamelan
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What Is It? Gamelan is an orchestra of gongs, chimes and drums from Indonesia – beautiful to look at, and even more beautiful to hear. The instruments and the music are accessible to newcomers, but reward exploration over many years. Who is it for? (target group, numbers, previous experience) Gamelan is the perfect introduction to music-making in general, and more specifically to playing in a larger group. It’s a non-western form of music-making and therefore a ‘level playing field’ for virtually all involved. No previous musical experience is required, and all ages and abilities can be accommodated. What’s the benefit? Gamelan enables varied groups of people to work closely together, listening to each other and responding collectively. It provides a framework within which the individual contribution to the group is valued, so it encourages a sense of social responsibility. It creates aesthetically pleasing music very quickly, so participants quickly have a real sense of achieving something good together, and enjoy an enhanced sense of wellbeing and achievement. Gamelan promotes coordination, concentration and memory skills in participants. It also promotes greater awareness and understanding of a diversity of cultures. Availability (where and when) SoundWave offers workshops on two different sets of instruments; a full-size bronze gamelan and a smaller iron set. Both sets can be brought out to venues with the capacity to accommodate, though being a large set of instruments there is a logistical and a cost implication. Who will deliver it? Chris Stones, a Cumbria-based musician with a wealth of experience playing and teaching Javanese gamelan. Chris studied traditional music in the famous Academy of Performing Arts in Surakarta, Indonesia, and has been instrumental in setting up gamelan programmes in the UK and Czech Republic. How Much will it cost? Three day gamelan residencies are available from £750, though prices will vary depending on logistical requirements. Please contact us for a detailed quote. Where could it lead? SoundWave runs community gamelan groups in several locations around the county for those who want a more regular involvement. Gamelan is a perfect introduction to music-making, and previous participants have gone on to play a wide variety of instruments. What Next? Contact Chris Stones on 01900 325007 to discuss your requirements.
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