BANDUNG, unpas.ac.id – It is not the first time that Indonesian culture and uniqueness attracts foreign people’s curiosity.
Gamelan (traditional Sundanese/Javanese musical instrument) is one of the most Indonesian cultures which offer its own charm and are able to catch foreign people’s attention to play on these musical instruments themselves.
Two Canadian teachers, for example, last week on 28 June 2022, intentionally visited Campus IV Universitas Pasundan, Jalan Dr. Setiabudhi No. 193, Bandung to learn to play Gamelan.
Both of the teachers are colleagues of the Dean of Faculty of Art and Literature (FISS) Dr. Hj. Senny Suzanna Alwasilah, M.Pd.
“They have their own music studio, so their students come to the studio to learn, both in private and in group. But they sometimes teach at school and present in a workshop,” said the Dean.
Interestingly, within 2 hours, they are able to master the basics of gamelan through the direction and guidance of teacher of Department of Music FISS Unpas, Rosikin WK., M.Sn.
In Bandung, they stay for 2 days to learn on Sundanese karawitan. Besides being taught of the basics of gamelan, they are also introduced by Sundanese karawitan.
“I give them 2 materials, 2 songs and 2 partitures (catrik and kulu-kulu) which can be used for accompanying thousand of songs,” Rosikin explained.
Although they have not played all the instruments, both of the teachers were really enthusiastic when play Sundanese gamelan.
“Playing on Sundanese gamelan requires tenacity and perseverance, so they really spent their time optimally. The response is good, especially since their background is a music teacher, at least they are familiar with rhythm,” he added.
Before the pandemic, he continued, many Unpas foreign students were good at playing gamelan. They have even appeared in various shows,
“Given the level of complexity and it takes a long time to become really proficient, sometimes not a few give up learning gIamelan. I appreciate their enthusiasm, hopefully they can introduce Sundanese traditional musical instruments in their home country,” he hoped. (Reta)**
