Gamelan Orchestra comes to Cobham Hall

Year 8 completed their music unit on world music by learning to play and perform on real Indonesian instruments of the Gamelan orchestra. 

Inspire Works brought the highly-decorative Balinese Gamelan orchestra, consisting of numerous gongs and metallophones, to the Gilt Hall and we were instantly transported to sunnier climes. The Orchestra, weighing over one tonne, took an hour to prepare.

During this introduction to Balinese music the girls found out about the meaning of music in Bali, about the instruments, structure of the music and the playing techniques.

Under the skilful guidance of our workshop leader, Mike, Cobham Hall girls were soon able to play a vibrant, traditional piece of music - the ‘Baris’ (warrior dance) on the bronze percussion instruments of the Gamelan orchestra. They also watched a live performance of the same piece on video by Balinese musicians to appreciate the music in its authentic setting. Bonnie even got to dance like the warrior.

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