Gamelan Ensemble 1#

Subject 740-015 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2009.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: One 2-hour rehearsal each week, plus attendance at 3 public concerts during semester
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours
Prerequisites: Enrolment may be subject to the requirements of the ensemble.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: Not available to BMus students
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit.
Subject Overview: The Gamelan Ensemble (Indonesian orchestra) rehearses on the magnificent bronze slendro-pelog gamelan from central Java, Indonesia in the Faculty of Music. Students learn to play all the instruments of the gamelan—gongs, drums, metal xylophones and tuned pots. Pieces learned include traditional and newly composed works for gamelan. Students work to an end-of year performance including a short excerpt from a shadow puppet play.
Objectives: On completion of this subject students should be able to:
  • demonstrate their ability to work cooperatively as a member of the gamelan
  • demonstrate an ability to perform to a high standard on a number of instruments of the gamelan
  • demonstrate an understanding of the social context of gamelan music in Indonesian life
  • show technical development as ensemble musicians
  • perform selected repertoire to concert standard
  • demonstrate a capacity to think critically and independently in matters of corporate style, sonority, balance, ensemble, phrasing, blending and musical gesture.
  • demonstrate an awareness of standards of professional performance –practice in this genre of music
Assessment: This subject is marked on a Pass/Fail only basis.

Attendance and participation (50%); a 10-minute practical examination at the end of the semester (25%); attendance and submission of a report of three public professional concerts or masterclasses of 500 words each, due end of semester (25%).

Less than 80% attendance will result in a fail.
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: On completion of this subject students should be able to:
  • demonstrate teamwork skills in rehearsal/ performance groups
  • apply time and people management skills to rehearsal and performance planning
  • demonstrate the ability to incorporate practical musical skills in unfamiliar musical traditions into their musical life
  • demonstrate a capacity to think critically and independently
  • study selected repertoire relevant to the ensemble to performance standard.
  • enhance their musical and professional lives as informed concert goers

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