Gamelan Dharma Swara

Known for its use of gongs and a variety of custom tuned metal instruments, gamelan playing represents one of the world’s longest and most venerable musical traditions. Gamelan Dharma Swara is a New York-based gamelan ensemble following the Balinese tradition and one of the leading ensembles of its kind in the United States. This study highlights key moments in the group’s early history and focuses on serious internal questions about its effort to respect the Balinese tradition while exploring new horizons with gamelan music. Conversations about Dharma Swara’s identity, its level of professionalization, and its future cut across different aspects of the organization. The issue of attire serves as a proxy for larger questions at stake with the group.