Pupils from Wokingham Schools have had the opportunity to learn to play Indonesian Gamelan music in a series of workshops held a number of times since 2002. During these workshops, thousands of Wokingham pupils have participated in hands on workshops with Nikhil Dally, a Gamelan tutor who himself studied in Java. The project has been funded through Wokingham's contract with Berkshire Maestros.
The Gamelan set consists of 21 instruments, so in the workshops, groups of teachers and pupils were able to experience playing together in an ensemble and creating some traditional Javanese music, despite having never played the instruments before.
In learning about Gamelan music, the pupils and teachers also learned something of the Javanese culture. The Gamelan instruments are thought of as people, and therefore are treated with respect – players must take their shoes off before entering the room, and must never step over an instrument, as this is seen as disrespectful.
If you would like further information about the gamelan, please contact David Congdon or click on the following link to the Berkshire Maestros website: www.berkshiremaestros.org.uk/gamelan.
