Gamelan at Acadia University

CONCERTS | PHOTOS | YOUTUBE VIDEOS | T-SHIRTS

Since the fall of 2008, Acadia University's School of Music has been home to a beautiful set of gamelan degung instruments under the direction of Ken Shorley. Gamelan offerings at Acadia include a performing ensemble and an intro class for music majors, as well as the opportunity to attend concerts. For more information about gamelan at Acadia, email Ken Shorley.

Acadia Gamelan class 2008/2009.

Intro to Gamelan class (MUSI 2383)

Acadia music students (2nd year and above) now have the opportunity to study Indonesian gamelan. The Intro to Gamelan class is a hands-on introduction to the playing techniques and repertoire of gamelan - the traditional tuned percussion orchestra of Indonesia. The course is presented in weekly “laboratory” sessions, which are supplemented by the independent study of readings and audio-visual material. The gamelan class will also participate in a year-end performance demonstration.

Acadia Gamelan Ensemble (MUSI 2800)

Upon successful completion of the Intro to Gamelan class, students are eligible to join the Acadia Gamelan Ensemble. The Ensemble provides an opportunity to further explore and refine knowledge and playing skills in a performance-centred setting. Prerequisites: MUSI 2383 plus permission of the ensemble director.

Concerts

Both the Intro class and the Ensemble perform several times each school year, usually at the end of first term and again at the end of second term. Repertoire performed at these concerts includes a range of traditional material as well as more contemporary "degung instrumental" and "pop Sunda" styles. For more information about upcoming concerts, visit the Events section of the School of Music website.

VIDEOS

Watch video from past Acadia Gamelan Ensemble concerts on YouTube.

ADE SUPARMAN (Visiting Artist Residency - Spring 2011)

The Acadia Gamelan Ensemble and Intro to Gamelan Class are proud to welcome Indonesian master musician, Ade Suparman, to campus. He will be in residence as a guest artist from Monday March 28 until Sunday, April 10.

Ade Suparman is a world-class multi-instrumentalist and composer from Bandung, West Java (Indonesia). During his two-week visit, he will be working with both the Gamelan Ensemble and Intro to Gamelan class, as well as performing in two concerts, and presenting a public lecture-demo on Sundanese drumming techniques and notation.

We are very honoured to be bringing such a fine artist to Acadia (and to Canada) for the very first time!

DETAILS:

Public Lecture-Demo with visiting artist Ade Suparman:
Wednesday, April 6 (4:30 - 5:30 pm) - Denton 226

Performances:
Acadia Gamelan Concert (with special guest, Ade Suparman)
Sunday, April 10 (3pm) - Denton Hall
$5 (free for Acadia students with ID)

DRUM NIGHT (with Ade Suparman, Ken Shorley and Mark Duggan)
Friday, April 1 (8pm) - Al Whittle Theatre, 450 Main St
http://www.worldinwolfville.com

GAMELAN-A-THON: 12 Hours, 20 Players, 1 Big Gong!

On Saturday, February 5, 2011, the Acadia Gamelan Ensemble and Intro Class participated in the 1st (annual?) GAMELAN-A-THON.

This 12-hour, extended informal concert took place in the foyer of Denton Hall at Acadia U, to raise funds in support of Ade Suparman's 2-week residency in the spring of 2011 (see above).

Never has so much bronze been heard so beautifully and so continuously at Acadia!

Open Houses

If you are interested in learning more about gamelan in a hands-on way, please join us at one of our Open House nights. No previous musical experience is necessary. Watch for posters around the school, or visit the Events section of the School of Music website.

PHOTOS

Below is a selection of photos featuring the Acadia Gamelan Ensemble and the Acadia Gamelan class, in rehearsal and in performance. (2009 - present)