Being the biggest city, Bandung is also the center of culture in West Java. The sheer size of the city, compared to other cities in the province, makes Bandung a giant in everything. Bandung has everything to be the center of Sundanese culture, one of them is Saung Angklung Udjo.
Literally means Udjo’s House of Angklung, this large ‘studio’ is a great example of how culture, conservation, tourism, and business combine. Founded by Udjo Nalagena in 1966, this Saung aims to preserve the traditional musical art of Sunda, especially angklung. Angklung is a traditional musical instrument made from bamboo. Here are why you should visit Saung Angklung Udjo when traveling to Bandung.
The bamboo orchestra
Saung Angklung Udjo is most popular for its angklung orchestra. The musicians showing their skills in creating beautiful music with this somewhat simple instrument. That is in line with what Udjo wanted to achieve; promoting culture through cooperation, simplicity, togetherness, and unity. You can expect this orchestra to play any kind of music, from Sundanese traditional songs to modern pop music.
Your turn to shine with angklung
After watching the orchestra play, you will get the chance to play the instrument yourself. You will learn how to play angklung from the children who are also students in this institution. You will be given an angklung, you just need to follow the instruction, and before you know it, you are already playing a piece of wonderful music with all other visitors here.
Learning traditional dance
Since this saung is also an informal education house, you will learn a lot when you are here. After playing music with angklung, you can also learn to dance, the Sundanese traditional dance. The dancers will give instructions on the movements of the dance, you will follow it, usually with a partner. You will dance to the upbeat music played by the orchestra. This mass dance is one of the most fun activity, even if you have never known the Sundanese dance before.
Helaran ceremony
Helaran is a traditional Sundanese celebration, usually held during harvest season or when a boy is circumcised. The main purpose of this ceremony is to express gratitude toward God and to entertain people. The celebratory mood is reflected on the upbeat music and the rather fast dance, along with cheerful songs.
Learn to make your very own angklung
Saung Angklung Udjo is also the center of angklung production, meaning you can see firsthand how this musical instrument is being made. You will see how the artisans skilfully cut, carve, and assemble the bamboos into a working instrument with a certain musical note. You can also learn how to make it yourself here. You will learn that making this seemingly simple instrument requires a lot of patience and skills. However, once you make it, you can boast that you have made your very own angklung with your own hands.
There are still many more you can see and do in Saung Angklung Udjo. However, you will probably need more than one visit to enjoy and learn everything this wonderful house has to offer. All in all, Saung Angklung Udjo is a must-visit place in Bandung.
