By Yosuke Hoshino, Postdoc Researcher at Georgia Tech University, community member of Emory Gamelan Ensemble.
Gamelan music was an encounter to a totally new world for me. Before joining the Emory Gamelan Ensemble, I only knew that Gamelan is a traditional music played in Indonesia. I had not had any opportunity to listen to it in-person until a friend of mine invited me for a performance. The music was very meditative – sometimes quiet, but stirring emotions deep inside. I was attracted to a different world that I had never before experienced, and thus joined the Ensemble within a month of the performance.
“Rama Crosses the Sea: A Shadow Puppet Show” was my first major concert that I joined as a player. It didn’t feel real until the very day of the concert because I was part of the audience until only a few months prior! We welcomed two Indonesian Gamelan masters and had many rehearsals in preparation for the concert. It was an unforgettable experience where everyone was united towards the same goal. Every rehearsal I could feel how everyone became more motivated and how the building commitment further stimulated each member. The sense of achievement after the concert washed over everyone.
I continue to enjoy practicing Gamelan and look forward to meeting new people through the music. I am so happy to be able to interact with such fun and talented people that I would never have met if I did not start playing Gamelan. The Emory Gamelan Ensemble provides me a window through which I can broaden my horizon and I encourage you to come see a show and support this special art.
**Click here for video and pictures from the Rama Crosses the Sea performance.
