MUS 101-12 - Javanese Gamelan & Dance

1 credits (Fall and Spring)

Learn experientially about the arts of Javanese karawitan (music) and beksan (dance) through involvement in this ensemble. The rudiments of Javanese musical performance are taught on an authentic gamelan originating from the city of Yogyakarta on the island of Java, Indonesia. The varied instrumentation of the gamelan provides students with numerous levels of challenge, and many members of the ensemble remain involved in the study of this music over several semesters. Gamelan music and Javanese dance are highly integrated, and Grinnell is one of the few places outside of Java where both are regularly taught. The highly controlled and codified movements of Javanese dance offer interested students a whole new perspective on the art of dance. Musicians and dancers in the ensemble stage one on-campus performance per semester and are occasionally invited off-campus to perform.

Prerequisite: No previous musical experience required. No audition required.
S/D/F only.
Instructor: R. Vetter, V. Vetter