American Gamelan is a style of gamelan based on Javanese gamelan instruments and music, but using primarily American made instruments and compositions. Lou Harrison is well known for his compositions for American gamelan. Map of Java Java (Indonesian, Javanese, and Sundanese: Jawa) is an island of Indonesia, and the site of its capital city, Jakarta. ... A gamelan is a musical ensemble of Indonesian origin typically featuring metallophones, xylophone(s), drums, and gongs. ... Lou Silver Harrison (May 14, 1917 - February 2, 2003) was an American composer. ...

Dennis Murphy is credited by Lou Harrison as being the first person to build instruments outside of Indonesia, circa 1960. This work led to his Doctorate thesis at Wesleyan University entitled "The Autochthonous American Gamelan". The first American Gamelan group was created by Murphy at Goddard College in Vermont in 1967. In 1971 Lou Harrison and William Colvig created a group in California. Dennis Murphy (born January 19, 1934) is a composer, musician, instrument maker and artist. ... 1960 was a leap year starting on Friday (link will take you to calendar). ... Wesleyan University founded in 1831, is a private, liberal arts university in Middletown, Connecticut. ... Goddard College is a private college located in Plainfield, Vermont. ... State nickname: The Green Mountain State Other U.S. States Capital Montpelier Largest city Burlington Governor Jim Douglas (R) Official languages None Area 24,923 km² (45th)  - Land 23,974 km²  - Water 949 km² (3. ... 1967 was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1971 is a common year starting on Friday (click for link to calendar). ... The partner for thirty three years of composer Lou Harrison, William Colvig (1917-2000) was an electrician and amateur musician. ...

Unlike Indonesian gamelans which are typically made of bronze, American gamelans may be constructed from all sorts of materials including aluminum tubes, tin cans, car hubcaps, steel, antique milk-strainers, etc.

"American gamelan" may also describe the original music of American ensembles working with traditional instruments.

See also

External Links

• A New Gamelan, audio recording of Lou Harrison and William Colvig describing the theory and construction of one of the first American Gamelans, followed by a performance on it (free registration required at RadiOM)

• Monkey C -- American music on a Javanese gamelan. Bang a gong.