Gamelan Cahaya Asri directed by I Dewa Ketut Alit Adnyana Sunday, May 8, 2011 Lawrence University Memorial Chapel About gamelan: The term 'gamelan' refers to any of a variety of ensembles of percussion keyed instruments, gongs, drums, and bamboo flutes from several regions of Indonesia. Balinese gamelan gong kebyar is a 20th century genre characterized by sudden dynamic contrasts and complex interlocking patterns. In Bali, gamelan is a central part of daily, social, and religious life, and is performed for a wide variety of secular and sacred events. Musicians and composers do not use sheet music; the music is taught by rote and committed directly to memory, allowing for a high degree of interaction between musicians. There is no single conductor, though the lead drummer will give cues to start and stop and to indicate tempo and dynamics. The entire group responds to cues from the dancer, if there is one. About Gamelan Cahaya Asri (cha-HIGH-ah AHS-ree): This group started in January 2009 as the first active Balinese gamelan in Wisconsin. We are thrilled to debut our new set of gamelan gong kebyar instruments commissioned by Lawrence University in 2010, which just arrived in March 2011. They feature hand-forged bronze gongs and keys, and hand-carved jackfruit wood frames. Students may join by enrolling in MURP 171: Balinese Gamelan Music. The course is open to all students; no previous experience is required. Dewa is also hoping to start a community gamelan open to all faculty, staff, family and community members. If you are interested in joining, please contact Sonja Downing at sonja.l.downing@lawrence.edu.

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