Gamelan Rakyat (meaning gamelan for the people) fosters artistic exchanges between Java and the Portland community through residencies, workshops, and performances by studying and playing Javanese gamelan music and sharing the richness of this exchange with diverse audiences in the Northwest. Gamelan Rakyat believes we can use the creation of music to strengthen self-esteem and a sense of meaning
as well as create community and connection regardless of education or music background that can influence other positive life choices. An important component of Gamelan Rakyat’s work is to conduct workshops in prisons, schools and other community settings to empower positive life change and foster life skills by working collaboratively to create beautiful music. Gamelan Rakyat produces events and performances of the student and community ensemble Venerable Showers of Beauty Gamelan based at Lewis & Clark College and conducts community workshops to groups or individuals interested in collaboration, connection and having fun by learning the gamelan tradition.
