A gamelan is a specific set of instruments from the classical musical tradition of Java, Indonesia. The instruments vary greatly in size and shape but are mostly bronze metallophones and hanging gongs, making it a tuned percussion ensemble. The instruments are very easy to get to grips with initially, but offer a very profound possibility for progression due to the complex rhythmic techniques and
combinations that are possible. Who are Gamelan Spréacha Geala? Gamelan Spréacha Geala (gaelic for Bright Sparks Gamelan) are a community music ensemble that was officially launched on World Mental Helath Day, October 10th 2016, by Professor Mel Mercier of University of Limerick;s Irish World Music Academy. Since then, a performance - based ensemble has met every Wednesday evening 7.15 - 9pm at the Cope Foundation Workshop, Mill Road Skibbereen. The ensemble compose, rehearse and workshop music on the instruments of the gamelan. To date, the group has taken part in Clonakilty Wellness Week, West Cork Lifelong Learning Week and the Clonakilty Organic Arts Festival. Gamealn Spréacha Geala will also perform in Skibbereen for World Music Day on June 21 and on July 31, as part of the Skibbereen Arts Festival. As part of Cork County Council’s Creative Community awards scheme Gamelan Spréacha Geala have also collaborated with Manchester - based music & health specialists Ros Hawley and Mark Fisher. This has resulted in the formation of a monthly inclusive workshop with services users of the Cope Foundation. These inclusive workshops are co-facilitated by Kevin McNally (gamelan tutor), Kevin O'Shanahan (musician in healthcare/clinical nurse specialist in mental health & arts) and Eoin Nash (music therapist/manager of arts & creative therapies at Cope Foundation). In 2018 further Gamelan outreach initiatives will be developed around West Cork. Gamelan Spréacha Geala has been kindly supported by Cork Education & Training Board, HSE/West Cork Mental Health Services, Cork County Counil’s Creative Communities awards, Cork Arts and Health partnership, MusicAlive & Suisha Arts/Cope Foundation. Membership
There are still limited places available to new members. Weekly rehearsals continue every Wednesday evening 7.15 - 9pm at the Cope Foundation Workshop, Mill Road Skibbereen, until June 28. After a summer break, weekly rehearsals will resume in the Autumn. Links
http://www.artsandhealth.ie/2017/06/12/gamelan-spreacha-geala-events-in-west-cork-this-june/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNG6iFtWwGg&t=109s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60Yi5eYAdI8&t=157s
