Hi Judy!!
Seeing some social media activity of this year’s Cudamani Workshop and Festival made me think of you. I would say that it also made me revisit some of my memories of last summer, but I’m constantly thinking about that experience and how much joy, enrichment, and renewal I gained from being surrounded by the Cudamani crowd in Pengosekan. I can’t wait to come back some day.
Thinking of you with joy and wishes for a wonderful workshop!
xo, Clare
“The Cudamani Arts, Culture, Environment Tour was a truly rich and amazing experience. It was very well organised and carefully structured, allowing us to gain a deep and lasting understanding of many aspects of Balinese arts and culture and also an insight into some of the environmental problems facing Bali. The Cudamani community members were very welcoming, and always willing to share their deep understanding of Balinese culture. It’s hard to believe how much we experienced in that one week whilst still having time for a bit of sightseeing, shopping and relaxation too. I will reflect on and remember the tour for many years to come, both personally and professionally. The experiences from this trip will help inform and refine my music and teaching practices.”
“I consider myself one of the lucky ones who got to experience Bali and in particular Ubud and its culture from an inside perspective, one that many tourists on the island miss but that makes a trip to Bali so much richer. With the ACE program we got a chance to play gamelan with amazing musicians in a totally supportive and traditional way. We got a chance to practice some dancing and challenge ourselves with kechak. One of the highlights for me was being able to experience temple ceremonies and watch amazing dancers move to equally incredible music. One of my favorite parts was being welcomed and fed delicious food in the homes of the people who cooked it. In addition we got to take lots of field trips and learn about the culture and environment of Bali. This was an experience I will truly treasure and I highly recommend it to anyone wishing to visit Bali.”
“The performance in the temple was the most important for me. It was brilliant to have been able to perform in a meaningful celebration and to apply whatever had been taught for that purpose.”
“I know that many Americans come to Bali to take lessons individually, but getting to do this through a group situation, in which we were able to form something of an ensemble by the end, and in which I was able to form a connection with a group of people who feel just as seriously passionate about the music and culture as I do, seems to be really special. I got to spend a lot of time with a lot of fabulous musicians, listening to and playing and practicing gamelan several hours a day. I felt inspired every day, and I feel like I’m definitely hearing gamelan music differently now than before the program.
I now have a much better understanding of the relationship between the music and dance, and a greater sense about what it means to have a community ensemble of musicians who actually work together, play together, collaborate, and live that spirit through their music-making.”
“The strength of the Institute is the opportunity to be completely immersed in Balinese culture through learning music and dance, yet with enough Western teaching methods to facilitate our learning.”
“I came away with a deep respect for the integration of the arts into daily and ceremonial life in Bali, and sadness at their estrangement in western culture. The access to master teachers — I was honored and humbled over and over again by the talent, skill and artistry of our teachers, all of which they so lovingly shared with us.”
“Çudamani Summer Institute has opened my eyes to Balinese culture in ways I could not have experienced in any other program. The musicians, dancers, and staff are welcoming and kind and teach respect and compassion — cultural aspects I will carry with me back to my home and school in the United States. Learning the music and developing new friendships goes hand-in-hand in gamelan music. CSI has further enhanced my appreciation for this island’s rich art and culture. I’ll carry this experience with me always and appreciate it for the rest of my life.”