List of gamelan ensembles in the United States

Summary

There are more than 100 gamelan groups in the United States. A gamelan is a musical ensemble from Indonesia, typically from the islands of Bali or Java, featuring a variety of instruments such as metallophones, xylophones, drums and gongs; bamboo flutes, bowed and plucked strings. Vocalists may also be included. The earliest appearance of a gamelan in the U.S. is considered to be at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893; this set of instruments is still at the Chicago Field Museum. The first academic program to include the playing of gamelan was established by Mantle Hood at UCLA in 1958.

Gamelan Sekar Jaya, the first community-based Balinese gamelan in the United States, performing jegog (bamboo gamelan) music in San Francisco

There are actively performing gamelan groups in roughly two thirds of the states in the U.S., using instruments made in the Indonesian regions of Java, Bali, Sunda (West Java), Banyumas, and/or North America. Many schools, universities and other institutions in North America own sets of gamelan instruments, and there are increasing numbers of community-based ensembles as well.

The earliest directory of gamelan in North America was compiled by Barbara Benary in 1993 for Ear Magazine, which included 98 sets (not all with active players); since then the number has increased steadily.[1]

List by state edit

State City Name Instruments Repertoire Notes
Alabama Auburn Auburn University Gamelan Cirebon set from the 1930s American percussion, some Balinese percussion; some Balinese Auburn University ensemble
Arizona Tempe Arizona State University Gamelan Javanese slendro/pelog, bronze Traditional Central Javanese Arizona State University School of Music ensemble.[2][3]
Tucson Fine Stream Gamelan Javanese, Sundanese degung, Balinese gong kebyar—Iron/brass Banyumas calung - bamboo Traditional, some American compositions. Also regional styles including Banyumas, Semarang, and angklung Banyuwangi Community group[3][4][5][6]
California Arcata Sekar Sequoia Javanese gamelan gadhon, bronze, pelog Traditional Solonese gadhon [3][7]
Berkeley Gamelan Sekar Jaya (Flowering Success) Balinese gong kebyar, angklung, gender wayang, joged, and jegog Traditional and new music and dance by both Balinese and American artists Founded in 1979[3][8][9][10]
Sari Raras / Kyai Udan Mas (Venerable Golden Rain) Javanese Traditional Joint UC Berkeley and community ensemble.[3][8][11][12]
UU Church of Berkeley Javanese Gamelan, located in Kensington. Javanese Traditional and new music by Javanese and American composers Community ensemble. Performs frequently with the Mills College Javanese Ensemble "Si Darius and Si Madeleine."
Saih Pitu Balinese gamelan semar pagulingan Traditional Joint UC Berkeley and community ensemble.
Claremont Giri Kusuma (Flower Mountain) Balinese gamelan gong kebyar Traditional-instrumental and dance music from the kebyar and pelegongan repertoire Pomona College ensemble open to students, faculty, and members of the Claremont community.[3][13]
Harvey Mudd American Gamelan Built by Suhirdjan of Yogyakarta, Java; pelog and slendro scales, tuned to just intonation versions Contemporary compositions Harvey Mudd College, ensemble established in 2000.[3][14][15]
Davis UC Davis Gamelan Ensemble Sundanese Gamelan Degung and Gamelan Salendro Traditional music of West Java Joint UC Davis and community ensemble.[16]
El Cerrito Sierra School Gamelan Balinese gong kebyar Traditional and student pieces Prospect Sierra Elementary School student ensemble, dir. Maddie Hogan[3]
La Mesa Giri Nata ("Mountain Sage"); renamed in 2005, formerly Gamelan Puspa Warsa ("flower season" or "spring") Javanese gamelan and Balinese sets include: gender wayang, genggong, suling, gambang, gong kebyar, semar pegulingan. Traditional A partnership of the Museum School and the Center for World Music. Founded in 1999, currently directed by Alexander Khalil and Kaori Okado.[3][17]
La Verne Gong Kyai Pramugari Laras Pelog (complete), Bronze (Pak Kuat), from private collection of Craig Rowe (Dir.). Solonese klenengan Ensemble members are often drawn from Cal Arts, UCLA, various other institutions and the Indonesian community. Ensemble was named by and dedicated to Bapak Djoko Waluyo.[3]
Los Angeles Gamelan Kembang Atangi (Flower of Awakening) Balinese angklung, 5-tone Traditional angklung pieces and kreasi (contemporary works) in the angklung kebyar style Loyola Marymount University ensemble includes students, faculty, staff, and members of the community.[3][18][self-published source?]
Gamelan Sekar Anyar (New Blossom - Balinese) and Kyai Mendhung (Venerable Dark Cloud - Javanese) Balinese gong kebyar and Javanese Traditional music and dance and occasionally new music and dance UCLA Department of Ethnomusicology ensemble[3]
Mission Hills Bali and Beyond / Udan Arum (sweetly scented rain) Balinese gender wayang, semar pegulingan, gamelan beleganjur (pelog), and Javanese gamelan gadon Traditional and contemporary, wayang kulit, dance. Tantri style of chamber gamelan Formed in 1988, directed by Maria Bodmann and Cliff DeArment.[3][19][20][self-published source?]
Oakland Mills College Gamelan Ensemble (Si Darius and Si Madeleine) Javanese-style American, aluminum, built by Lou Harrison, William Colvig, and William Winant in 1980 Traditional and American new music [3][21][22]
Gamelan-X (formerly Onepeoplevoice) Traditional Balinese baleganjur, a 29-piece set of unique chromatic reyongs, drum set, synths, computer processing, trumpet, saxophone, flute, voice, and other instruments from around the world Original gamelan fusion, traditional processional baleganjur, and kecak. [23][self-published source?]
Gamelan Encinal American Aluminum gamelan ensemble using the "Gift" gamelan using a tuning developed by Lou Harrison focused on new music. Instruments built by Daniel Schmidt (musician), Lydia Martín, Stephen Parris, and others Directed by Stephen Parris [24]
Richmond Gamelan Gadung Kasturi (Scent of the Gadung Flower) Balinese Traditional Balinese music and dance Directed by Kompiang Metri-Davies[25][self-published source?]
Riverside Gamelan Kyai Telaga Semu (Venerable Lake of Illusions) Javanese slendro and pelog (by Tentrem Sarwanto, Solo) Traditional and contemporary UC Riverside ensemble[3][26][self-published source?]
San Anselmo Gamelan Marin (Adi Luhung) Javanese Traditional Community gamelan[3]
San Diego Gamelan at San Diego State University Javanese Traditional Directed by Djoko Walujo[3][27][self-published source?][28][self-published source?][failed verification]
Kembang Sunda Sundanese degung Traditional
Gunung Sari Balinese angklung Traditional Founded and co-directed by David Harnish. Tyler Yamin, artistic director; Alex Khalil, co-director
Puspa Warsa Balinese angklung Traditional Directed by Dr. Alex Khalil, hosted and co-sponsored by The Museum School[29] and co-sponsored by Center for World Music[30][self-published source?]
San Francisco ShadowLight Productions Gender wayang Balinese wayang kulit and new shadow theatre, founded in 1972 [3][8][31]
San Jose Pusaka Sunda Sundanese degung and kecapi suling; West Javanese gamelan degung Traditional and contemporary Formed in 1988, founded by Burhan Sukarma[3][8][32][self-published source?]
Santa Barbara Gamelan Kyai Selamet Central Javanese pelog, slendro Central Javanese, Cirebon, West Java UC Santa Barbara ensemble[3]
Gamelan Sinar Surya Cirebonese - slendro iron and Cirebonese iron pelog/degung combination Cirebon and Sunda pelog/slendro, degung and gong renteng; Malaysian Formerly Gamelan Northwest of Seattle[3][33][self-published source?]
Monkey C Javanese pelog. demung, slentem, saron, bonang, kempul, gong, kemanak. American and varied rock covers mixed with traditional music [3][34][self-published source?]
Santa Cruz Gamelan Swarasanti Balinese angklung Traditional and new music for Balinese angklung, especially new music by Balinese composers A joint ensemble of UC Santa Cruz and the community.[3][35]
Gamelan Anak Swarasanti (Child of Swarasanti) Balinese angklung and beleganjur Traditional and new music for Balinese angklung and beleganjur, including extended arrangements with electric accompaniment and treatments. A community-based gamelan.[3][36]
West Javanese (Sundanese) gamelan at UCSC Instruments include Sundanese slendro gamelan Galuh Pakuan, Sundanese gamelan degung Nyi Arum Bandung Traditional, wayang golek [3][8]
Tujunga Gamelan Merdu Kumala (Beautiful Sound) Balinese Gong Kebyar, Gambuh, Kecak, Baleganjur, Gender Wayang A community-based ensemble founded by Hirotaka Inuzuka in 2014. Performs traditional and contemporary Balinese music professionally in the greater Los Angeles area. [37][38]
Valencia Burat Wangi (Fragrant Offering - Balinese) and Kyai Dara Daish (Javanese) Balinese semar pegulingan and gamelan gong kebyar, and Central Javanese Traditional music and dance as well as New Music by American and Indonesian composers for both ensembles. California Institute of the Arts ensembles[3]
Vallejo Gamelan Range of Light American, made of aluminum American/Central Javanese Played primarily by children and young adults for school productions and summer workshops.[3]
Colorado Boulder Eka Mudra Balinese gong kebyar Traditional Naropa Institute gamelan ensemble[3]
Colorado Springs Colorado College Tunjung Sari Balinese angklung Traditional [3]
Denver Gamelan Tunas Mekar ("Tunas" means a stored bit of life force, such as a seed of a floral bud, and "Mekar" means to put forth. This name has given the group its sense of identity: a wayward seed, blown far from the parent plant and landing on unfamiliar soil that has nonetheless produced an amazing flower.) Balinese angklung and semara dana Traditional and new Balinese A subgroup of the ensemble is gender wayang quartet Catur Eka Santi.[3][39][self-published source?]
Denver Gamelan Manik Kusuma Balinese angklung Traditional and new Balinese Metropolitan State University of Denver ensemble
Connecticut Middletown Kyai Mentul (Venerable Bouncing) Javanese (a Jogjanese set dating from early part of century) Traditional music and dance Wesleyan University gamelan ensemble. A previous Javanese slendro set, Kyai Muntjar Basuki (Venerable Sparkling Fountain) is used for wayang. Instruments were made around 1964 for the World's Fair. Its pelog instruments are in use at Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts.[3]
New Haven Gamelan Suprabanggo (Yale University Javanese Gamelan Ensemble) Central Javanese, Slendro and Pelog (from Surakarta) Traditional and contemporary pieces, wayang kulit performances Yale University ensemble[40]
Delaware Newark Kyai Tlogo Beruang Perak (Venerable Lake of the Silver Bear) This American made gamelan was built by and directed by Professor Michael Zinn of University of Delaware. When Dr. Zinn retired, the gamelan went with him. There is currently no active gamelan at the university.[3]
District of Columbia Washington, D.C. Javanese Ensemble of the Indonesian Embassy Javanese, acquired c. 1954 Traditional Community group established c. 1979; includes both Indonesians and Americans[3]
Florida Tallahassee Gamelan Hanuman Agung Balinese gong kebyar, beleganjur Traditional, new music by American and Canadian composers Florida State University ensemble[3]
Georgia Atlanta The Emory Gamelan Javanese, slendro and pelog; and Balinese beleganjur Traditional and modern Emory University ensemble[3]
Athens Gamelan Chandra Natha Balinese Gong Kebyar Traditional University of Georgia ensemble[41]
Hawaii Honolulu Kyai Gandrung (Javanese) and Segara Madu (Balinese) Javanese and Balinese gong kebyar Traditional University of Hawaiʻi Gamelan Ensemble. The ensemble has also begun performing kecak[3]
Illinois Chicago Chicago Balinese Gamelan (CBG) Balinese gong kebyar Traditional music and dance Community ensemble, founded 2017.
Friends of the Gamelan (FROG) Sri Sedånå, Central Javanese bronze; Nyai Panjang Sari, Central Javanese iron Traditional Central Javanese Community ensemble, founded 1979.
Gamelan at the Consulate General of Indonesia Javanese bronze Traditional A new [vague] and large set of instruments.[3]
DeKalb Asian Music Ensemble Balinese angklung; Javanese, iron (Suhirjan) Traditional and new music Northern Illinois University ensemble[3]
Urbana-Champaign University of Illinois Gamelan Javanese bronze, Balinese gamelan kebyar, beleganjur, and angklung Traditional music and dance and new compositions University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign student performance ensemble [3] plus a community ensemble
Indiana Richmond Earlham College Javanese Gamelan Ensemble Javanese, bronze slendro/pelog Mostly traditional Solonese Earlham College ensemble also open to community members[42]
Iowa Grinnell Kyai Biwara (Venerable Messenger) Javanese, iron Traditional Javanese music and dance Grinnell College student ensemble[3]
Maine Lewiston Mawar Mekar (Blossom of Inspiration) Central Javanese, iron with brass, built by Mulyadi in Solo, Java, 1997 Traditional and new Bates College ensemble (acquired in 2001)[3]
Maryland Baltimore The Robert Macht Gamelan Ensemble Central Javanese, bronze, slendro and pelog Traditional and contemporary American The ensemble also performs with the Kimberly Mackin dance company.[3]
Gamelan Saraswati Balinese angklung (acquired in 2001) University of Maryland, Baltimore County ensemble[3][43]
Boyds Gamelan Wrhatnala of Boyds Gong kebyar, gender wayang, joged bumbung, gong suling, tektekan, genggong, and godogan Balinese traditional and new music and dance compositions Gamelan Wrhatnala of Boyds is the sister of Gamelan Sanggar Wrhatnala Pusat Abiantuwung in Bali. Both are directed by I. G. A. Ngurah Supartha, who is also a prominent choreographer, composer and puppeteer.[3][44]
Landover Art & Cultural Center of Indonesia (ACCI) Javanese, Sundanese, and Balinese Since its operation in 1976, ACCI has three main departments: Indonesian Traditional Art of Music and Dance, Indonesian Authentic Shadow Puppet Theater, and Gallery of the Community Arts & Crafts.[3]
Ellicott City Seka Genta Semara Balinese 5 or 7 tone —- a unique tuning by Wayan Beratha, 1983 Traditional semar pegulingan and angklung repertoire Genta Pinara Pitu has 11-key gangsa and a 14-kettle terompong. It permits 4-tone slendro, 5-tone slendro, 5-tone pelog, 6-tone pelog and 7-tone pelog.[3]
Mount Rainier Gamelan Mitra Kusuma (Flowering Friendship) Balinese gamelan gong kebyar, gamelan angklung, and gender wayang Traditional Community group, founded in 1997[3][45]
Massachusetts Amherst Ensemble at Amherst College Javanese Traditional Amherst College ensemble[3]
Sundanese Gamelan Sundanese Traditional Leveritt Craft Center
Boston / Medford Boston Village Gamelan and Tufts Gamelan Ensemble / Rinengga Sih Tentrem (Well-Made by Tentrem's Feeling of Friendship; Enhanced by Serenity) Javanese, Rinengga Sih Tentrem (Solo, by Tentrem Sarwanto) Traditional Solonese court traditions The Boston Village Gamelan is now in residence at Tufts University, and rehearses together with the Tufts ensemble. It performs also occasionally on a 19th-century Solonese set owned by the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Kyai Jati Mulya.[3][46]
Cambridge Gamelan Galak Tika (Intense Togetherness) Balinese pelegongan, kebyar, gender wayang, angklung Banyuwangi Traditional Balinese and American kreasi (contemporary works) Massachusetts Institute of Technology ensemble; founded and directed by Evan Ziporyn[3][10][47][self-published source?][48][49][50][51]
Gamelan Si Betty (Named to honor arts patron Betty Freeman) Javanese style/American, extended range, aluminum (built by Lou Harrison and William Colvig in 1979) Traditional and contemporary in various styles; new works by group members and interested composers. Harvard University music department and community ensemble, directed by Jody Diamond since 2007.[52][self-published source?][failed verification][53][54][55]
Northampton Kyai Muntjar Basuki (Venerable Sparkling Fountain) Javanese pelog (other half of set on loan from Wesleyan University) Traditional Smith College ensemble[3][56]
Worcester Gita Sari (Essence of Song) Balinese gong kebyar Traditional and contemporary College of the Holy Cross ensemble[3][57]
Michigan Ann Arbor Kyai Telega Madu (Venerable Lake of Honey) Central Javanese Traditional University of Michigan ensemble[3][58]
Minnesota St. Cloud St. Cloud State University Gamelan Central Javanese No longer active. The Schubert Club instruments are now housed in the Landmark Center, St. Paul[3]
Minneapolis/St. Paul Sumunar Gamelan and Dance Ensemble Central Javanese Javanese traditional (Solonese), also contemporary. "Kyai Medharing Madu" (Venerable Flowering Honey); made by Tentrem Sarwanto of Solo, owned by The Schubert Club. An iron pelog set made by Pak Mulyadi of Solo, owned by The Schubert Club, used for school residencies.[3]
Moorhead Concordia College Gamelan Ensemble Central Javanese Javanese traditional (Solonese) Led by Dr. Jeffrey Meyer.
Northfield St. Olaf College Gamelan Ensemble Central Javanese Javanese traditional (Solonese) Kyai Kembul, on loan from a private sponsor in Minneapolis/St. Paul since 2019.
Winona Winona Gamelan Ensemble at Winona State University Javanese. Bronze pelog / slendro made in Solo by Pak Raharjo, "Sumber Gongso" Traditional Winona State University ensemble in partnership with the Schubert Club of Saint Paul (loan of instruments made by John and Ferry Banks). A community/university ensemble.[3]
Missouri Kansas City Gamelan Genta Kasturi (Ensemble of Blossoming Sound) Balinese semaradhana (7-tone modern-style Balinese gamelan) Traditional Balinese and new compositions Located at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. A course in the conservatory and an active community group.[3][59]
Montana Bozeman Gamelan Sekar Gunung (Mountain Flower) Balinese gamelan angklung Traditional Balinese and new compositions Located at Montana State University, instruments commissioned for MSU in 1999. A university/community ensemble.
Missoula UM Jaya Budaya Balinese Gamelan (Victory Culture) Balinese Gamelan Traditional Balinese and dance pieces

Bala Ganjur

Located at the University of Montana, performed every other year at the World Rhythms Concert by the School of Music's Percussion Studio.[60]
Gamelan Manik Harum Missoula Community Gamelan[61] established in 2007
Nebraska Omaha Son of the Good Earth Javanese, iron (Suhirjan) and Balinese gender wayang Traditional Javanese and contemporary Western Located at Creighton University. A community ensemble.[3][62]
New Hampshire Hanover Gamelan Lipur Sih (Comforting Your Loved Ones) Javanese bronze gadhon with kenong and extended range saron (by Tentrem Sarwanto) Traditional and contemporary Located at Dartmouth College[3]
Lebanon Gamelan Sleeping Fox Balinese gamelan angklung Traditional Location: private home, community group[3][63]
Gamelan Diamond Bridge Javanese style, aluminum and stained particle board (by Daniel Schmidt) Traditional and contemporary Location: used for residencies at various schools in the area, lasting from one week to four months
New Mexico Albuquerque Gamelan Encantada American - Javanese (Barbara Benary), iron Balinese selonding Traditional Javanese music and American new music Iron-keyed gamelan selonding instruments are from the village of Tenganan, Bali. Gamelan Encantada is rolled steel, slendro and pelog, with gongs, drums, and suling from Java.[3][64]
Santa Fe Gamelan Ensemble Ni Giwang: Cirebonese slendro, bronze (iron gong agung) Central Javanese and Sundanese Santa Fe University of Art and Design student ensemble and community classes and lecture workshops.[3]
New York Annandale-on-Hudson Hudson Valley Gamelan Ensemble comprising Gamelan Giri Mekar, Gamelan Chandra Kanchana, and the Bard Gender Consort Balinese gong kebyar, gender wayang Primarily traditional Gamelan Giri Mekar, a community ensemble originally of Woodstock, NY, is now in residence across the river at Bard College. Gamelan Chandra Kanchana is primarily composed of Bard students but also has some faculty and Giri Mekar members.[3]
Bronxville Gamelan Chandra Buana Balinese gamelan angklung Traditional Sarah Lawrence College student and community ensemble.[3]
Buffalo Nusantara Arts Sari Raras Irama Central Javanese, bronze and painted iron; Balinese semar pengulingan and Balinese gender wayang Primarily traditional Founded Autumn 2015, bronze instruments acquired 2021, Balinese 2022.
Ithaca Cornell Gamelan Ensemble Javanese, Balinese Traditional, Cirebon and Sundanese, traditional angklung Cornell University ensemble[3][65]
Kingston Catskill Mountain Gamelan, comprising Sekar Mawar and Sekar Ligar Sundanese degung, kacapi suling Classical and popular Catskill Mountain Gamelan consists of two community ensembles directed by Dr. Dorcinda Knauth. Sekar Mawar (the Rose Blossom gamelan) is a degung gamelan built in 2012 by the Bandung builder, Asep Ahum. It is named after the rose, the state flower of New York, and for its red and gold coloring. Sekar Mawar musicians perform both classical and popular Sundanese music styles. Sekar Ligar (Falling Rose Petals) is a kacapi suling ensemble that performs both traditional Tembang Sunda repertoire from the West Javanese highlands, as well as a lighter style of music called Pop sunda.
New York City Gamelan Son of Lion American - Javanese, iron American and other new music Gamelan Son of Lion presents new music concerts in New York City and downstate New York counties. A subsidiary group, Rockland Angklung Society, plays Balinese and American pieces for gamelan angklung and is based in Rockland County, 30 min. NW of the city.[3][10]
Gamelan Yowana Sari Semara Dana (7-toned gong kebyar) and arrangements Balinese and American New Music; Traditional Balinese In residence at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. Composed of students, professors, and alumn, YS performs regularly in New York City and has performed on festivals throughout the U.S. In 2018 and 2020, the group studied and performed in Pengosekan, Bali, at the home of preeminent composer I Dewa Ketut Alit.
Dharmaswara Balinese gong kebyar, semara dana Traditional and New Located at the Indonesian Consulate[3][66]
Gamelan Kusuma Laras Javanese Traditional Gamelan Kusuma Laras was founded in 1983. The group consists of American and Indonesian players and rehearses on instruments owned by the New York Indonesian Consulate.[3][67]
Gamelan Giri Kusuma (Flower Mountain) Balinese angklung, bronze Traditional and contemporary City University of New York/Borough of Manhattan Community College ensemble[3]
Northport Tamara and the Shadow Theatre of Java / Srikandi Gamelan Orchestra Javanese, iron Javanese wayang kulit with traditional style theatre music [3][68]
Rochester Gamelan Lila Muni (Heavenly Sound) Balinese angklung Traditional and contemporary University of Rochester Eastman School of Music ensemble[3][69]
Stony Point Rockland Angklung Society American - Balinese angklung, iron and bamboo Traditional and American [3]
North Carolina Chapel Hill Gamelan Nyai Saraswati Javanese slendro and pelog (bronze) Traditional and not-so-traditional Located at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A group specializing in Central Javanese repertoire whose members come from both the university and the community at large.[3][70]
Cullowhee Gamelan Kyai Tatit Ratri Javanese slendro (iron); Sundanese degung (iron), Sundanese degung (bronze) and Balinese angklung (bronze) Traditional and some experimental Western Carolina University ensemble[3]
Winston-Salem Gamelan Giri Murti Balinese kembang kirang (5-tone slendro with extended range) and beleganjur Traditional and contemporary Wake Forest University ensemble. Balinese music and dance ensemble whose members come from Wake Forest University, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and the broader community [71]
Ohio Bowling Green Sekaha Gong Kusuma Sari (Floral Essence Gamelan Club) Balinese gong kebyar Traditional, with some modern pieces such as those composed by David Harnish and student composers Bowling Green State University ensemble, directed by Kurt Doles; the director emeritus is David Harnish. The ensemble was founded 1990, replacing an earlier gamelan with a different name that had been established in 1980.[3]
Oberlin Kyai Barleyan (Venerable Diamond) Javanese pelog and slendro Traditional The Oberlin College gamelan was a slendro set from Malang, East Java, purchased in 1970. In 1984 a pelog set was custom built to match by a Yokya maker.[3]
Granville Dwara Udyani (Doorway to the Mountain) Balinese gamelan angklung Traditional Denison University ensemble
Oregon Ashland Gamelan Degung Leuwi Asih Iron degung from Bandung Sundanese classical degung, and contemporary American This iron degung set was purchased by Southern Oregon University in 1999 from Bandung and is housed at SOU.[3][72]
Eugene Gamelan Sari Pandhawa Javanese slendro and pelog (Solo, Pak Tentrem) Traditional and contemporary (Javanese and American) music A non-profit organization providing opportunities for learning about Indonesian music and art. Performances also include wayang kulit, the shadow puppet theater.[3][73]
Kyai Tunjung Mulya (Noble Lotus Blossom) Central Javanese and Cirebon—slendro/pelog extended range—iron/brass/bronze by Suhirdjan in Yogyakarta (1999). Traditional Central Javanese The University of Oregon School of Music[3][74]
Pacific Rim Gamelan / Suranadi Sari Indra Putra Balinese kebyar (from Lombok) Traditional Also at the University of Oregon School of Music.[3]
Portland Portland Gamelan Ensemble / Kyai Guntur Sari (gong name) / Kagok Laras (Venerable Showers of Beauty / A Different Song) Javanese Traditional, some American At Lewis and Clark College; founded by Vincent McDermott in 1980[3]
Gamelan Wahyu Dari Langit (Revelation from the Sky) Balinese beleganjur Traditional and modern Balinese music Community group, founded in 2016
Pennsylvania Lehigh Valley Gamelan Mekar Sari Balinese Traditional
Gettysburg Gamelan Gita Semara Balinese Traditional Angklung and contemporary At Gettysburg College. The ensemble was founded by Dr. Brent C. Talbot in 2010. They perform throughout Central Pennsylvania, and artist-in-residence programs bring the instruments to local elementary schools.[75]
Lewisburg The Bucknell Gamelan Ensemble Balinese Traditional At Bucknell University. The ensemble was directed initially by Jackson Hill, until his retirement in 2007. The group is currently being led by Bethany Collier.[3][76][77]
Philadelphia Gamelan Gita Santi Balinese angklung Traditional Community ensemble founded through the Philadelphia Folklore Project, 2019
Pittsburgh Iron City Gamelan Traditional University of Pittsburgh ensembles. The university formerly owned a set of Balinese angklung. Members of the ensemble also perform tembang Sunda. The Sundanese Gamelan Ensemble is run by the University of Pittsburgh music department during the regular school year, and directed by Andrew Weintraub. The university also owns a set of calung (bamboo tube xylophone). In summers the Balinese angklung gamelan is taught aboard a cruise ship as part of the Semester At Sea.[3][78][79]
Kyai Tirta Rukmi (Venerable Rivers of Gold) Javanese, iron, by Suhirdjan, 1995
Ligar Pasundan (The Spreading Fragrance of Pasundan) Sundanese degung
Swarthmore Gamelan Semara Santi (in honor of Semar, the god of love, and Santi, the Sanskrit word for peace, to commemorate the peace-loving Quaker traditions of Swarthmore College) Gong kebyar with gender, by Pak Beratha, 1997 Balinese kebyar and pelegongan Swarthmore College ensemble.[3][80][81]
Rhode Island Providence Brown University Gamelan Ensemble Balinese angklung, Javanese slendro/pelog (Tentrem Sarwanto) Traditional [3]
Tennessee Knoxville University of Tennessee Balinese Gamelan Balinese gamelan semar pegulingan Traditional and New Established in 2015. Operated by the University of Tennessee and open to the Knoxville community[82]
Texas Austin Kyahi Rosowibowo Slendro and pelog, built in Yogyakarta Established in 1998; University of Texas School of Music ensemble: (The Majestic One)[83]
Denton Percussion Department Gamelan American-Javanese slendro, aluminum (Daniel Schmidt) American North Texas State University School of Music ensemble[3]
Houston Gamelan of the New Moon Custom made set from the workshop of Midiyanto in Java Modern and contemporary gamelan music Established in 2018 in Houston, TX.

https://www.facebook.com/GamelanoftheNewMoon/

Houston Space City Gamelan / Gamelan Swara Dewa Javanese, bronze Traditional central Javanese and contemporary compositions for gamelan [3][84][85]
Utah Provo Gamelan Bintang Wahyu Balinese from the shop of I Wayan Beratha traditional and contemporary music of Bali Brigham Young University ensemble[86]
Vermont Cabot Gamelan Singing Brook Javanese iron, brass, and bronze (80-year-old set supplemented with new instruments by Suhirdjan 2005) Javanese, experimental, American The Cabot School is a preK-12 public school. Students in all grades use the instruments in a residency setting and/or a semester-long class.[3]
Plainfield Plainfield Village Gamelan / Venerable Voice of Thoom American (Javanese style) iron (Dennis Murphy) American and traditional This ensemble was the first American gamelan, which began at Goddard College in 1967 and became a community group in 1980. It is now located at Dennis Murphy's farm. It also uses a second iron set built by Dennis Murphy, Venerable Small Tiger.[3][10][87]
Gamelan Sulukala Javanese iron, brass and bronze (Suhirjan) Javanese, Balinese, American, etc. Goddard College ensemble.[3][87]
Virginia Charlottesville Charlottesville Gamelan Javanese Traditional This is a community-university joint ensemble associated with the University of Virginia.[3]
Christiansburg Sweet River of Understanding Javanese, iron Traditional Played by students from Radford University, Virginia Tech, the Montgomery County Orff Ensemble, and community groups.[3][88]
Richmond Gamelan Raga Kusuma Balinese semara dana (by Pande Sukerta) Traditional and New A community group affiliated with University of Richmond.[3]
Winchester Angklung gamelan group Balinese angklung (by Pak Berata) Traditional A community group affiliated with Shenandoah University.[3]
Williamsburg Gamelan Tunjung Baskara (Sun Lotus)

The College of William and Mary Gamelan

Full slendro Central Javanese and American The College of William and Mary gamelan ensemble started in 1999. The present set of slendro instruments were purchased by the college in 2004.[3]
Washington Olympia Gamelan Degung Girijaya Sundanese gamelan degung Traditional degung Evergreen State College ensemble[3]
Seattle Gamelan Pacifica Javanese iron and bronze in pelog and slendro (Suhirjan and Tentrem); Cirebonese slendro bronze (Tentrem) Traditional, with a focus on Central Javanese style; also modern and contemporary compositions from the international gamelan repertoire Cornish College of the Arts ensemble in residence; a community group; formed in 1980.[3][10][89]
Cornish Gamelan Ensemble Student group at Cornish College of the Arts that plays on the same instruments as Gamelan Pacifica above.
Gamelan Larasati Javanese gamelan gadhon (Solonese, Tentrem Sarwanto) Traditional
Wisconsin Appleton Gamelan Cahya Asri (Harmonious Light) Balinese gong kebyar (on loan from the Robert E. Brown Center for World Music at UIUC) Traditional gong kebyar, lelambatan Lawrence University Balinese Gamelan Ensemble
Madison University of Wisconsin–Madison Javanese Gamelan Ensemble / Kyai Telaga Rukmi (Venerable Lake of Gold) Javanese Traditional, some new, experimental music University of Wisconsin–Madison ensemble[3]
West Virginia Morgantown Gamelan at West Virginia University Balinese and Javanese West Virginia University ensemble[3]
Shepherdstown Gamelan Wrhatnala Gunung Blue Ridge Balinese gamelan gong kebyar Traditional, Puri Buluh Kenana Region, IGA Ngurah Supartha's compositions and SMKI/Kokar Shepherd University student and community ensemble, founded in 2002[3][90]
Wyoming Laramie Chandra Wyoga ("Chandra" refers to the beauty of the full moon, and "Wyoga" has a double meaning indicating both "Wyoming Gamelan" and "meditation on the beauty of the full moon.") Balinese Semar Pegulingan, acquired in 1996 Traditional The University of Wyoming Gamelan, Chandra Wyoga, is a community gamelan with many UW students and community members.[3][91]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Jody Diamond. "Review: Out of Indonesia: Global Gamelan." Ethnomusicology 42/1 (Winter 1998), pages 174-183.
  2. ^ Indonesian gamelan finds home at ASU 21 October 2003. ASU press release.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn bo bp bq br bs bt bu bv bw bx by bz ca cb cc cd ce cf cg ch ci cj ck cl cm cn co cp cq cr cs ct cu cv cw Benary, Barbara; Jody Diamond; Richard North; Marc Hoffman. "Gamelan Groups in the USA". American Gamelan Institute. Archived from the original on September 4, 2009. Retrieved September 13, 2009.
  4. ^ Interview With The Fine Stream Gamelan Archived 2010-12-12 at the Wayback Machine. Many Mouths One Stomach. September 2008.
  5. ^ Indian, Indonesian music adapts well to the desert. Tucson Citizen. October 29, 2008.
  6. ^ Buckley: Gamelan drumming dreams turn 20. Tucson Citizen. May 13, 2009.
  7. ^ "The Sound of Surakarta" (PDF). Cultural Times -- HSU Multicultural Center. Fall 2008. p. 20. Retrieved October 22, 2010.
  8. ^ a b c d e Spiller, Henry, Henry. "A Gathering of Gamelans and a (Balinese) Tempest. Presented by ShadowLight Productions, Cowell Theater, San Francisco. 13–23 October 2005". Asian Theatre Journal. 23 (2): 401–407. doi:10.1353/atj.2006.0030. S2CID 162477120.
  9. ^ Koskoff, Ellen (2005). Music Cultures in the United States. New York: Routledge. p. 124. ISBN 0-415-96588-8.
  10. ^ a b c d e Diamond, Jody; Benary, Barbara (2001). ""Indonesian music," In The United States and Canada.". In Koskoff, Ellen (ed.). The Garland Encyclopedia Of World Music and Dance. Vol. 3. pp. 1011–1033.
  11. ^ Gamelan Kyai Udan Mas instruments Archived 2008-09-26 at the Wayback Machine Accessed 28 April 2008.
  12. ^ UCB Gamelan Archived 2008-09-26 at the Wayback Machine Accessed 28 April 2009.
  13. ^ Dolinar, Sarah (Winter 2001). "Pomona's Flower Mountain". Pomona College Magazine. Vol. 38, no. 2. Pomona College. Archived from the original on May 9, 2008. Retrieved April 22, 2009.
  14. ^ Harvey Mudd American Gamelan Archived 2006-02-09 at the Wayback Machine
  15. ^ Graham, Stephanie (Summer 2005). "Here Today, Gong Tomorrow". Harvey Mudd College Bulletin. Archived from the original on July 7, 2012. Retrieved April 22, 2009.
  16. ^ UC Davis Gamelan Ensemble
  17. ^ The Museum School Accessed 30 April 2009.
  18. ^ "College of Communications and Fine Arts Ensembles". Loyola Marymount University. Archived from the original on April 21, 2009. Retrieved April 27, 2009.
  19. ^ Bali and Beyond Programs
  20. ^ Bali & Beyond
  21. ^ Miller, Leta E. (1998). "Lou Harrison: Selected Keyboard and Chamber Music, 1937–1994". MUSA - Music of the United States of America. 8.
  22. ^ radiOM.org - New Music America 1981: A Concert of New Gamelan Music
  23. ^ Gamelan-X Archived 2009-04-03 at the Wayback Machine
  24. ^ "Home". gamelanencinal.com.
  25. ^ "Gamelan Gadung Kasturi". Archived from the original on July 11, 2011. Retrieved May 1, 2009.
  26. ^ "A Festival of World Music". UCR Newsroom. March 2, 2002. Retrieved April 27, 2009.
  27. ^ Djoko Walujo Archived 2008-07-08 at the Wayback Machine
  28. ^ "Ensembles". Archived from the original on May 9, 2008. Retrieved April 27, 2009. SDSU School of Music Ensembles
  29. ^ The Museum School
  30. ^ Center for World Music
  31. ^ "ShadowLight Productions". Archived from the original on February 20, 2007. Retrieved September 15, 2009.
  32. ^ Pusaka Sunda
  33. ^ Gamelan Sinar Surya
  34. ^ Monkey C
  35. ^ Gamelan Swarasanti Archived 2008-03-25 at the Wayback Machine
  36. ^ Gamelan Anak Swarasanti
  37. ^ "Merdu Kumala's Facebook". www.facebook.com.
  38. ^ "Gamelan Merdu Kumala (@gamelanmerdukumala) • Instagram photos and videos". www.instagram.com.
  39. ^ Gamelan Tunas Mekar
  40. ^ "Yale Gamelan History". Archived from the original on November 24, 2014. Retrieved November 24, 2014.
  41. ^ "Home". www.chandranatha.org. Retrieved July 30, 2021.
  42. ^ http://www.earlham.edu/publicaffairs/content/pressroom/archive/2004/april/040414s-javanese.php Earlham College press release from April 2004
  43. ^ [1] [dead link]
  44. ^ Gamelan Wrhatnala of Boyds
  45. ^ Gamelan Mitra Kusuma
  46. ^ "Gamelan Laras Tentrem".
  47. ^ Gamelan Galak Tika Archived 2006-11-26 at the Wayback Machine
  48. ^ "A flair for the unusual at Carnegie's Zankel". The Newark Star-Ledger. November 15, 2004.
  49. ^ "Gamelan groups find the beat on U.S. campuses". The Jakarta Post. July 11, 2004
  50. ^ Dance - Gongsville - Gamelan Galak Tika at MIT The Boston Phoenix. November 28 - December 5, 2002
  51. ^ Here Today, Gong Tomorrow Archived 2012-07-07 at archive.today. Harvey Mudd College Bulletin. Summer 2005.
  52. ^ Gamelan Si Betty
  53. ^ Gewertz, Ken (February 7, 2008). "Gamalanaton!". Harvard University Gazette.
  54. ^ Composing a world: Lou Harrison, musical wayfarer. Leta E. Miller, Fredric Lieberman. 2004.
  55. ^ Gamelanathon!. Harvard Gazette Online. February 7, 2008.
  56. ^ "Smith College: Music". Archived from the original on January 9, 2009. Retrieved April 28, 2009. Smith College Music Department Performing Groups
  57. ^ Phyllis Hanlon, Phyllis Hanlon (Spring 2000). "Do you know the way to Sanata Dharma?". Holy Cross Magazine. 34 (2).
  58. ^ "Residential College | U-M LSA Residential College".
  59. ^ "Gamelan Genta Kasturi at la Esquina". KCUR. Retrieved April 24, 2009.
  60. ^ "UM School of Music". www.umt.edu. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  61. ^ "Missoula Community Gamelan". Missoula Community Gamelan. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  62. ^ Swanson, Sheila L. "Gamelan: The Sound of Moonlight" (PDF). Creighton University Magazine (Winter 1999).
  63. ^ Gamelan Sleeping Fox
  64. ^ Gamelan Encantada
  65. ^ "Cornell University Department of Music - Gamelan". Retrieved June 11, 2023.
  66. ^ Dharmaswara
  67. ^ Gamelan Kusuma Laras
  68. ^ Tamara and the Shadow Theatre of Java / Srikandi Gamelan Orchestra
  69. ^ Gamelan Lila Muni - University of Rochester
  70. ^ "Exotic new instrument comes to Chapel Hill". The Chapel Hill News . January 28, 2001.
  71. ^ "Wake Forest home to new Indonesian gamelan". Wake Forest News. October 23, 2015.
  72. ^ "Gamelan Degung Leuwi Asih". Archived from the original on August 5, 2012. Retrieved April 17, 2008.
  73. ^ Gamelan Sari Pandhawa
  74. ^ Kyai Tunjung Mulya Archived 2006-02-10 at the Wayback Machine
  75. ^ World Music at the Sunderman Conservatory
  76. ^ Gamelan Ensemble Bucknell University Archived 2009-05-24 at the Wayback Machine
  77. ^ "Gamelan Ensemble". Bucknell University. Archived from the original on March 18, 2020. Retrieved May 4, 2020.
  78. ^ Iron City Gamelan
  79. ^ Kyai Tirta Rukmi
  80. ^ Gamelan Semara Santi
  81. ^ Tommasini, Anthony (October 9, 2003). "The Philadelphia's New Conductor In a Risky Debut". New York Times. pp. E–3. Retrieved April 22, 2009.
  82. ^ "UT Balinese Gamelan | School of Music". music.utk.edu. Retrieved November 29, 2018.
  83. ^ Kyahi Rosowibowo
  84. ^ Space City Gamelan
  85. ^ DeRogatis, Jim (March 17, 2008). "Five great nights at South by Southwest". Chicago Sun Times. Archived from the original on May 15, 2008. Retrieved April 30, 2009.
  86. ^ "BYU Website". Archived from the original on 9 January 2014. Retrieved 4 March 2014.
  87. ^ a b Blader, Bonnie (Spring 2009). "Let the Music Play" (PDF). Clockworks (Goddard College Alumni Journal). Archived from the original (PDF) on May 27, 2010. Retrieved April 26, 2009.
  88. ^ Sweet River of Understanding Archived 2005-09-21 at the Wayback Machine
  89. ^ Gamelan Pacifica Archived 2008-08-27 at the Wayback Machine
  90. ^ Shepherd University Department of Music: Gamelan Archived 2008-08-29 at the Wayback Machine
  91. ^ Chandra Wyoga

Notes and bibliography edit

  • This list is based on a directory designed and first compiled by Barbara Benary in 1983, and published in a special issue of EAR magazine. A version of that list, still maintained by Benary, is at International Gamelan Directory, hosted by the American Gamelan Institute. That site also contains lists of groups in other countries as well, particularly Japan.
  • "Gamelan Groups in the USA" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on December 9, 2008. (301 KB) from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia
  • Diamond, Jody & Benary, Barbara (2001). "Indonesian music In The United States and Canada." . The Garland Encyclopedia Of World Music and Dance Koskoff, Ellen Editor Vol. 3. pp. 1011–1033.