Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - CA 443 D100

Gamelan III (3)

Class Number: 12805

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Mon, Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • Prerequisites:

    CA (or FPA) 343.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Continuation of CA (or FPA) 343 with emphasis on the technique of the elaborating instruments of the gamelan ensemble. Students with credit for FPA 443 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

The Javanese music (gamelan) is a musical ensemble consisting mainly of gongs and other bronze percussion instruments. It is one of the world`s most sophisticated orchestral traditions, yet it is music which includes varying levels of difficulty, and thus the simpler pieces in the repertoire can be approached without training in advanced instrumental techniques. A basic level of dance, theatre, and music is useful, particularly fundamental rhythmic skills, but it is not necessary to be able to read Western musical notation. Attendance is required at all classes, and out of class practice/performance will be necessary.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Practical and theoretical study of music for gamelan ensemble, based on, but not limited to, traditional Javanese music. This course is designed as an introduction to the study of the music of non-Western cultures and as a method of developing ensemble musicianship. May be of particular interest to students in other departments.

The outcomes of the course:

By the end of this course, the student will be able to:

-       demonstrate techniques of playing gamelan, Javanese notation system, its creation, and design a performance;
-       apply principle of Javanese music (theories, practices, histories),
-       assess, evaluate, and reflect on a performance and teamwork.

Grading

  • Attendance/class participation (concentration, preparedness, skill based on the student performance achievement) 65%
  • Final performance 25%
  • Submission of portfolios/journals – include a final short reflection on the course and presentation 10%

NOTES:

Grading:

Grades are determined mainly by the instructor`s observation of in-class work during the entire semester, and are based on the seriousness of the student`s practice and performance level achieved such as:

- Commitment and effort (attendance, class exercises, group/individual rehearsal),

- The ability to put principles into practice (practices, presentation, and performance),

- The quality of the performance developed throughout the course (including all homework assignments, research, and final presentation/performance).  

Notes:

The learning process in this course requires diligence and discipline. Students are expected to actively participate in class so please come prepared. Any absences will result in a lowered participation mark. Make-up exams will not be standard procedure of this course except in instances of documented illness ~ in which case prior notification and physicians explanation are both required.

Internet information:

There is plenty to Google, of course. Feel free, but be skeptical of things that seem too tourist-oriented or commercial. I recommended joining the international gamelan listserv for the sake of the periodic interesting discussion thread. There are about 400 subscribers worldwide. Send an Email to: GAMELAN@LISTSERV.DARTMOUTH.EDU with the message SUBSCRIBE GAMELAN.

The following links are some valuable gamelan sources:

Online Reading Materials

-       http://sumarsam.web.wesleyan.edu/Intro.gamelan.pdf
-       http://web.grinnell.edu/courses/mus/gamelans/open.html
-       http://www.gamelan.org/balungan/index.html   

Notes: This outlines is not fixed yet. Surely there will be some adjustment here and there.

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Brinner, Benjamin Elon. Music in Java: Experiencing Music, Expressing Culture. New York: Oxford University Press, c2008.

McFarland, Ann. L. “Music in Central Java” in General Music Today (Online), Vol/Issue: 20 (3), Date: May 1, 2007, p: 28.

Sorel, Neil. A Guide to the Gamelan. London: Faber and Faber, 1990.

Sumarsam. Gamelan and the West. Rochester, NY: University of Rochester Press, 2013).

Sumarsam, Gamelan: Cultural Interaction and Musical Development in Central Java. Chicago and London: The University of Chicago Press, 1994.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS