The Rack
a1
Grade 2
Benefits
Pre-listening: Evergreen Club Contemporary Gamelan, Harry Partch
Materials • 5 lengths of 2" × 4" lumber • 4" Wood screws • Wood balls (1 per students) • 6" dowel (1 per student) • 1 pointing stick (for the conductor)
28
Discussion: Discuss Javanese gamelan music and the idea of a communal group of people all combining to play one larger instrument. The New Harvard Dictionary of Music defines gamelan as “a musical ensemble” from Indonesia. Indonesian or Malay ensembles usually have gongs, gong-chimes, metallophones, and drums. Gamelan music is deeply rooted in Javanese culture, and is sometimes accompanied by shadow puppetry. Certain rituals are accompanied by different musical tonalities, and rhythms. Some pieces can last for days, depending on the ritual: funerals, weddings, religious festivals, etc.
How to Play Your World
