Youth Gamelan at Wesleyan begins Sat Feb 1

The Spring 2014 session of the Youth Gamelan at Wesleyan University begins Saturday, February 1.

The Javanese Gamelan orchestra accompanies puppet shows, dances, feasts and ceremonies in parts of Indonesia, and consists of gongs and xylophone-like instruments made of bronze.

The Youth Gamelan is a unique opportunity for children aged 7-14 to create this beautiful music, with its distinctive melodies and rhythms, and also to experience the cooperative listening process of playing ensemble music. Rehearsals are held on Saturday mornings from 10-11am in the World Music Hall, Center for the Arts, Wesleyan University, located on Wyllys Avenue (off of High Street). Parents are welcome to stay and watch rehearsals. We will conclude the session with a performance on Thursday, May 1 at 7pm, together with Wesleyan student ensembles. 

New members are welcome at this time, though space is limited and advance registration is recommended. There is a registration fee of $30, made payable to Wesleyan University. You may register at the first rehearsal, or with the University Box Office in Usdan Campus Center, tel. 860-685-3355, email: boxoffice@wesleyan.edu. 

Founded in 2002 by Artist in Residence I.M. Harjito, the group is directed by Joseph Getter, who has helped to teach the ensemble since it began. The Youth Gamelan is sponsored by the Center for the Arts at Wesleyan, and is a past recipient of support from the Middletown Commission on the Arts.