Gamelan Ensemble

DescriptionThis is a yearlong course divided into two semesters.

The Eastman School’s Balinese gamelan angklung, Lila Muni (Beautiful Sound) is an ensemble consisting largely of percussion instruments, such as metalophones, gongs, and drums, as well as flutes and voices. Gamelan at Eastman, as in Bali, is a communal effort. Our members include Eastman students, faculty, and staff, as well as many members of the Rochester community. Learned through the oral/aural tradition without notation, the music requires players to work together for long periods to learn the music and how to play it. The result is a sense of group unity and pride for the audience to hear the music and witness the collective efforts of the group.

Each year, Lila Muni performs throughout the Northeastern United States and in Canada in programs of traditional and contemporary Balinese music, interactive workshops for audiences of all ages, and in creative collaborations with Western musicians and composers. New members are welcomed into the Eastman gamelan each year, regardless of musical experience.

Faculty

No faculty members associated with this course.