Join Buffalo's beginner Balinese Gamelan Angklung class! Nusantara Arts six week courses are designed to get new gamelan players off the ground running while having a great time playing music from the island of Bali.
Balinese gamelan angklung is an ancient tradition utilizing a unique four-tone scale on an orchestra of bronze xylophones, cymbals, and gongs. The gamelan angklung ensemble is renowned for its enchanting and delicate sound and the depth and variety of its repertoire.
Its traditional role is to provide music during temple ceremonies and rites for the dead. Throughout the twentieth century its repertoire expanded to include pieces that were newly composed for both ceremonial and secular contexts as well as adaptations of pieces borrowed from other gamelan styles. Today one can hear an almost endless array of music performed on gamelan angklung instruments.
In this course, students will gain a basic understanding of the techniques and stylistic characteristics of Balinese gamelan, while exploring and playing the various instruments that make up the gamelan angklung ensemble. No prior experience necessary! Open to all ages 10 and up. Join us this summer to learn about this unique musical art from Bali!
Schedule:
Tuesdays from 6:30 pm - 8 pm
First class – July 1st
Last Class – August 26th
Class Fees:
Class Fees are sliding scale to ensure people with any economic status may participate.
For participants age 10 and higher. No experience necessary!
Register for class!
Teacher: Tom Torrisi
Tom is a professional classical guitarist, composer, arranger, and Balinese gamelan musician from Clifton Park, NY. Active as both a soloist and chamber musician, Tom has been heard performing throughout the United States and in the UK. Tom is a passionate explorer of non-Western musical styles. This interest has led Tom to extensive involvement with Eastman School of Music’s Balinese gamelan ensembles Gamelan Sanjiwani (gong kebyar) and Gamelan Lila Muni (angklung) and was teaching assistant to gamelan teacher I Nyoman Suadin. Tom is now a core member of Nusantara Arts new Balinese Gamelan program (semar pegulingan and gender wayang styles). Tom is excited to teach his first beginner Balinese music class in Buffalo.
