Gamelan boot camp continues

We have learned a new song since I wrote last, much slower than the last one, and I'm on a slower instrument so its nice. I think I forgot to mention the hilarious faces the Cudamani members make when we hit a wrong note, its so funny, like they're in great pain. Either we're getting better or they're just getting used to it, cause I haven't seen those faces as much on the last songs. We of course still sound nothing like them, and won't after 3 weeks, but are improving a lot. They say they are suprised at how fast we're learning, so that's a good sign.

Yesterday we got to try kecak, which was a blast. Those of you who don't know what kecak is, look it up on youtube. Its so cool, the first time I saw it in Bali on my last trip I never wanted to leave. Its a dance/music form where all of the sound is done with the voice. But you're supposed to sit in alternating rythyms, so you don't sit next to anyone who's doing the same part as you. Luckily they didn't make us try that on our first time, its hard enough to stay on track without having to drown out your neighbor, but its supposed to be more like having a conversation. Us musicians also got to try some dance, the male form. It was a lot of fun, the dance moves aren't too difficult if you've danced before, but they just take a lot of controlled muscle work in positions that are not found in most western forms, like keeping your shoulders up and your toes flexed. I loved it, if I could I'd come back next year and do dance instead.

Tonight is the Cudamani rehearsal fundraiser concert, should be great. Some of us watched their rehearsal on Wednesday night and that was a lot of fun, to see the way they interact with each other is just great, they look like they're having the best time. Some of the younger guys that just moved up into the professional group hav been living and playing music together for 10 years, so no wonder they're in sync. I can't wait to see them in full form.