About Gamelan Sari Pandhawa

Indonesian Percussion Ensemble

About the Gamelan	About the Music	Education
Performances	Goals of Sari Pandhawa	Contact

Gamelan Sari Pandhawa is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to providing an educational and entertaining multi-cultural experience for the Eugene community, enriching lives through expanding cultural awareness. Since 1996, the ensemble has performed in concert and taught classes throughout the area, and seeks to increase our community's understanding of traditional Javanese cultural arts, music, dance and shadow puppetry, Gamelan Sari Pandhawa performs on bronze and wood instruments elegantly handcrafted and painted by master instrument makers in Central Java. The group is actively seeking to share performance and learning opportunities with the Eugene community.

Gamelan Music

One of the world's most ancient and sophisticated musical traditions, gamelan music creates a multilayered tapestry of interlocking melodies and rhythms. Performed on bronze gongs, xylophones, drums, stringed instruments, flutes, and voices, gamelan music has distinctive qualities that make it ideal for a community music ensemble.

Accessible. Gamelan's rich textures and memorable melodies are instantly appealing and enjoyable even to those unfamiliar with the music. At performances, members often invite the audience to play the instruments, and many, including children, do so with delight.
Cooperative. By its nature, gamelan is community music - players must listen carefully and respond to each other in a generous and unselfish way in order for the music to be realized. All players are equally important to the group.
Multi-cultural. Gamelan Sari Pandhawa strives for a deep understanding of gamelan's cultural and historical context. Our teacher, Lewis & Clark College music professor Widiyanto, is an 11th-generation Javanese dalang (master musician and puppet master) who transmits to Americans the ancient yet living tradition of this venerable art form. Members of the group are experienced in performing with instruments from other world music traditions (balafon, koto, marimba, kora) as well as Western music, and have used those instruments with the gamelan.
Multi-disciplinary. Gamelan Sari Pandhawa welcomes collaborations with community artists in poetry, dance, theater, art, video, and other media. Our musicians have accompanied dance performances, shadow puppet plays (wayang kulit), art exhibitions, and theatrical works.
Collaborative. Gamelan Sari Pandhawa welcomes collaborations with other musicians. Our performances often include players from other Northwest gamelans, as well as Eugene classical musicians. The group is also dedicated to new music, and has worked with and performed music by contemporary composers who write for gamelan, including renowned American composer Lou Harrison.

Community Cultural Education

Gamelan Sari Pandhawa has taught extensively throughout the public school system as well as the University of Oregon. Gamelan playing is accessible to students at any level of ability; no musical training or skill is required. You, too, could be part of Gamelan Sari Pandhawa.

Performances & Demonstrations

Gamelan Sari Pandhawa has performed in many venues throughout the Eugene community, including concerts, festivals, schools, art galleries, and cultural events. Our repertoire includes traditional and contemporary music (by both Javanese and American composers) in a variety of styles, ranging from poetic songs to ceremonial court repertoire, from meditative pieces to battle music. The group performs two styles of traditional repertoire: a large ensemble suitable for stage and outdoor events; and a smaller group which emphasizes the softer, subtler instruments, appropriate for intimate settings.

Goals

Gamelan Sari Pandhawa seeks to continue its contribution to the community through teaching others to play gamelan, and to reach those who have never had the privilege of experiencing this music by adding performances in different venues throughout the area. We welcome support from community members and institutions that value the multicultural experience.

Contact Information

For performance bookings, for press and publicity information, or to join the gamelan, contact: Qehn, 683-9257

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