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The sound of the percussion gamelan orchestras of Java and Bali has been described as ‘flowing water', a subtle interweaving of different layers into a euphonious stream of sound. The New Zealand School of Music owns a beautiful set of instruments used for playing, teaching and learning, and the gamelan orchestra, Gamelan Padhang Moncar, can be heard regularly around Wellington.

An opportunity will be offered in June to participate in a practical half-day session that introduces the basic playing techniques of the instruments, and explains how gamelan music is put together. Associate Professor Jack Body will introduce the session and a Javanese gamelan expert, Budi Putra, will show participants how to play the music. At the end of the session all participants will perform a classical gamelan piece together.

No previous musical knowledge or practical experience is required, although those who have some previous gamelan experience will also be catered for.

Members of the New Zealand School of Music community gamelan will also assist in the workshop.

Budi Putra is the Lecturer in Javanese gamelan at the New Zealand School of Music and Director of Gamelan Padhang Moncar. As an expert practitioner he is skilled on all gamelan instruments, as well as being a superb vocalist.

Jack Body is Associate Professor of Music at the New Zealand School of Music and Manager of Gamelan Padhang Moncar. He has had a long fascination with Indonesian gamelan, and several of his compositions have been influenced by gamelan.

Date: Saturday 20 June
Time: 2pm-5pm
Venue:

Gamelan Room, New Zealand School of Music (Victoria University Kelburn Campus, Gate 7 off Kelburn Parade)

Fee: $18 ($10)
The above Early Bird fee is available if booked on or before Saturday 6 June. Full fee: $20 ($18)

Limit per course: 20

Enrol through the Centre for Continuing Education: http://www.victoria.ac.nz/ceed/course.aspx?portfolio=personal&cid=462