Metalworks

UK built gamelan playing modern styles of gamelan

logo

Metalworks is an English built gamelan made of brass, aluminium and wood.

The instruments are totally portable and can be easily moved anywhere. It is played by eight musicians, most of whom are also composers.

Most of the group have studied traditional gamelan either in the UK or in Indonesia, but our main interest is in the more modern styles of gamelan.

We play a mish mash of styles from Javanese pop to Sundanese night club hits: Balinese gong kebyar to pieces by English experimentalists such as Michael Nyman, Howard Skempton and Michael Parsons. Rather than aiming to be authentic, the group has developed its own sound.

Workshops

A UK-built gamelan can be provided for all workshops.

Metalworks Gamelan offers a highly-acclaimed introduction to the music and culture of Java and Bali.

We run sessions in schools and colleges throughout the country (our instruments are easily transported) for ages seven upwards.

In particular we have worked extensively with GCSE and A-level music students, and have also run many teachers' INSET days.

We can offer single workshops as well as longer term projects and residencies.

 

 

The exact content of a workshop can be tailored to suit your requirements. For example, we have recently run projects incorporating storytelling, acting and shadow puppet plays.

We also do workshop sessions for children with special needs. We are especially interested in getting children to compose for gamelan and our workshops have generated at least 60 new gamelan pieces.

Metalworks has twice received a Performing Rights Society 'Composer in Education' award.

'Brilliant' (The Wire) 'Brilliant... More please!' (Classic FM Masterclass)

'This was a well thought-out and meticulously organised project which had clear musical objectives...the benefits were far-reaching and in all directions between students, teachers and composers.' (PRS Composer in Education Award Scheme Report)

'The tutors always gave the impression that all the pupil's ideas and opinions were valued and listened to; they were very skillful at guiding pupils, rather than directing...relaxed and friendly but always business-like - very easy to talk to and to work with.' (Suffolk County Council Project Report)

Contact

For more information about Metalworks, please take a look at our website at www.metalworks.org

Back to teaching resources for schools
Back to performing groups