Burghclere secondary school dips into Indonesian musical culture

Pupils at The Clere School took part in lessons learning to play the Gamelan, a traditional Indonesian percussion instrument, comprising mainly bronze gongs and metallophones.
Originally played in the royal courts of Java and Bali, school spokeswoman, Nicola Hughes, said it proved an honour to host this instrument at the Earlstone Common school.
Year 7 and Year 10 GCSE music students had the opportunity to learn how to play the Gamelan as well as learning about Indonesian culture.
Pupils were learning a traditional Indonesian piece of music under the guidance of Javanese Gamelan instructor, Aris Daryono, along with performance techniques required for the different instruments, as well as how to make shadow puppets and script a play to accompany their musical performances.
At the end of the week, parents were invited to a performance by pupils on the Gamelan, along with their shadow puppet play.
Molly Maguire, a Year 7 pupil, said: “The Gamelan is important because it shows how different people from around the world, play instruments.
“Team work is essential as everyone has an instrument to play, and each instrument is important to the overall sound.”
The school thanked Aris Daryono for her instruction, the Hampshire Music Service for the use of their Slendro Gamelan and the Indonesian Embassy for funding the residency.