Balaganjur: Bali's Marching Gambelan

Balaganjur mostly known as a ceremony procession accompanist in Bali. In every ceremony procession such as melasti, ngaben, temple festival, ogoh-ogoh, must be accompanist by this energetic and dynamic Balinese music called Balanjur. 

Balaganjur is a form of performance arts and audio visually it might be and independenct art. Balaganjur is a musical communication that insigates sensation and emotional response between the composer, players and viewers. It might influence the fan who are familier with the background of Balinese social life. The performance of Balaganjur is always connected to a relious life, traditional lore, and aspect of artistic life in response to the development of cultural millie. Generally, Balaganjur complement the implementation of religious ritual. However, when Balaganjur is secularly composed and performed as an aesthetic presetation, Balaganjur develops its function toward profan values.

Balinese women play Balaganjur

As a heritage instrument now Balaganjur is become one of the popular music that played among the Balinese, especially for the youngster. Almost every year will be held a Balaganjur festivals or competition or other event that shows the Balganjur attraction in different places in Bali, even the women now get involve with it not just as a dancer but now they become a players as well. In its development the Balganjur that perform the festivals or competitions, the composer will collaborate the music with the dance, in other word they make a mini opera dance accompanist with Balaganjur.

The complete Balaganjur played in a group of 25 to 35 players, but in some occasions like a small ceremony its will be played by less players depends on the available players as long as the main instrument of the Balaganjur is played. The main instrument of Balaganjur are, Kendang (2 players), Ceng-ceng (at least 4 players), Gong (1 player), Kempul (1 player), Tawa-tawa (1 player), Reyong (at least 4 players) , Ponggang (2 players)  and Bende (1 player).

The players with their unique traditional costume will play Balaganjur while marching and perform the dance or attractions in front of the honorary stage that where the jury or the VIP persons placed in the festivals or specials event. In the religious ceremony, Balganjur will accompanist the procession by marching or in the truck, its depends on the ceremony. Its quite unique vision when you see the convoy of cars and trucks carry the ceremony stuff and at the last truck will be the Balaganjur played on the truck.