The National Music Museum (NMM) invites community members to experience the music and traditions of Indonesian gamelan during a weekend of free workshops October 9–11, led by gamelan musician and educator Joko Sutrisno.

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The three-day workshop will offer opportunities for newcomers to discover the tradition of gamelan music, while current and prospective members of the NMM’s Tatag! gamelan ensemble can develop their skills in preparation for the upcoming season.

A free introductory session will be held Friday, October 9, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at the National Music Museum. Designed especially for those who have never played gamelan, the session will introduce participants to the musical tradition and provide an opportunity to experience the NMM’s Javanese gamelan firsthand.

The workshop continues Saturday, October 10, from 8:30 a.m.–3:45 p.m., with a more advanced session designed for current members of Tatag! and those considering joining the ensemble. Participants will have an opportunity to build their skills and deepen their understanding of gamelan music under Sutrisno’s guidance. Lunch will be provided for registered participants.

An additional advanced workshop will be held Sunday, October 11, from noon–4:00 p.m., offering continued instruction and ensemble practice. Participation in the NMM gamelan workshops is free, but registration is requested by Friday, October 2.

Originating in Indonesia centuries ago and varying by region, gamelan means “ensemble” and refers to a set of predominantly percussion instruments crafted and tuned to be played together.

The National Music Museum’s Javanese gamelan is one of the largest and finest outside Indonesia. Radiant with gilding and teakwood frames adorned with carved dragons, or nagas, and crowns, the Kyai Rengga Manis Everist Gamelan was ceremonially named to honor its spiritual qualities and patronage. Funds for its purchase were a gift of Margaret Ann Everist of Sioux City, Iowa, in 1999.

Workshop leader Joko Sutrisno began learning gamelan music from his father at age five in Central Java. He currently serves as a lecturer in ethnomusicology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he directs the Music of Java Ensemble. Previously, he has also served as artistic director of Sumunar Gamelan and Dance Ensemble in Minnesota’s Twin Cities, promoting an understanding and appreciation of Indonesian gamelan music, dance and culture through teaching, performance and community outreach.

Support for the gamelan workshop is provided by a generous grant from the Margaret Ann Martin Everist Foundation.

Workshop Schedule

Friday, October 9 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Introductory Session
An introduction to gamelan and the NMM’s ensemble for those interested in experiencing gamelan for the first time. New players are especially encouraged to attend.

Saturday, October 10 | 8:30 a.m.–3:45 p.m.
Gamelan Workshop
Designed for current members of the NMM’s Tatag! gamelan ensemble and those considering joining. Participants will develop their playing skills and explore ensemble music under the guidance of Joko Sutrisno. Lunch is provided.

Sunday, October 11 | Noon–4:00 p.m.

Advanced/Continued Gamelan Workshop

A continuation of Saturday’s workshop, offering additional instruction and ensemble practice for current and prospective Tatag! members.

The weekend also serves as a lead-in to a new season for Tatag!, the NMM’s community gamelan ensemble, which begins rehearsals Thursday, October 22.

For registration, questions or additional information, contact the National Music Museum at NMM@usd.edu or 605-658-3450.