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On 18th and 19th July, Year 8 students at Charters School in Sunningdale were given the opportunity to perform in a Gamelan orchestra, using traditional Indonesian instruments.

All Students in Year 8, as part of the Music curriculum, were provided with the opportunity to listen to and perform music within the orchestra - mostly made up of gongs, chimes, and metallophones. The instruments are played sitting on the floor, and it is respectful to remove shoes before starting to play.

Mike Simpson, Musical Director at Inspire Works delivered a two day workshop to the Year 8 pupils using the Gamelan Orchestra instruments, teaching them the basics of the Indonesian music.

Year 8 pupil James Finch said, “It was fun playing the instruments and very interesting hearing about the Indonesian traditions.”

 

Mr Mike McKenna, Subject Leader for Music at Charters said, “It’s great that our students have had the opportunity to play and hear an actual Gamelan orchestra, as well as learning about some of the traditions of life and music in Indonesia”.

Mike Simpson, Musical Director at Inspire Works, Windsor said, “This is the 11th year that I have delivered the Gamelan workshop at Charters School and as always the pupils have been fantastic, really responsive. It’s great to hear British children playing music usually played by Indonesian children.”