Let's Play Gamelan Together

Let's Play Gamelan Together on 7 March was the first in the series of activities for SJI staff planned by our Wellness Ambassadors - Mr Wong Chee Choy and Ms Daisy Chia. Our patient music teacher, Mr Samuel Ng taught us more than how to play the gamelan, the traditional ensemble music of the Javanese, Sundanese, and Balinese peoples of Indonesia, which is made up predominantly of percussive instruments. The most common instruments used are metallophones played by mallets and a set of hand-played drums called kendhang or Kendang, which register the beat. Mr Ng also provided insight into the different types of instruments and their roles, and how when combined in playing produce a beautiful melody. Our staff attempted, fumbled and burst into laughter many times. It was a well-spent hour that brought both the academic and non-academic staff together and transported us to Java, even if it was just in our imagination.