Gamelan

Our year 4 children have been working with Gamelan expert Sarah Stuchridge to learn Indonesian percussion instruments called Gamelan. These include huge xylophone-like instruments and gongs tuned to their own scale. During Woodside International Week each Y4 class will be presenting a Gamelan performance to you using shadow puppets they have made and accompanied by delicious Indonesian food.  The puppets will tell the story of former Thurrock resident Alfred Russell Wallace, a scientific explorer whose work in Indonesia helped him develop his theory of evolution before Darwin. Wallace built his own house in College Road, Grays. This became Grays Convent but is now converted to flats. Wallace is renowned in Indonesia and there is a line on the country's map which defines the extent of Asian animals and the beginning of Australasian animals which is known as "The Wallace Line". The Indonesian embassy have been invited to send a delegation to see the show. The performances will start at 1.30 pm in the main hall: 4R Wednesday 22nd, 4N Thursday 23rd and 4Y Friday 24th. Younger children may be brought to this performance and, on this occasion, we will not be providing our usual creche.