During the summers of 2013 and 2016, Assistant Professor Brent Talbot and twelve students spent three weeks exploring language, culture, immigration, and music in Bali.
The trip, which included attending traditional cremation, wedding, and temple ceremonies, was highlighted by the opportunity to learn and rehearse Gamelan Angklung (13th century sacred music), Gamelan Gong Kebyar (20th century “flashy” music), and traditional Balinese dance for six hours a day with alumnus Wayan Rachman ’02 at Flower Mountain over a 10-day period.
Inspired by their experiences in Bali, the students also paired up with local villagers to collect stories and photographs from their daily lives. Their written essays, audio essays, and photographs are collected here. In addition, the students hope to include these narratives in a book that will be printed and sold to raise proceeds that will fund a scholarship for college-bound students in the village.
Dr. Brent Talbot was assistant professor and coordinator of music education at Gettysburg College's Sunderman Conservatory of Music. He founded Gamelan Gita Semara in 2010.