Gendang beleq

The name gendang beleq is a Sasak language term, which means "big drum (big gendang)", as the performance is about a group of musicians playing, dancing and marching with their traditional instruments, centered on two big drum (gendang) players.

Instruments

The ensemble for gendang beleq performance consists of main players with of two (occasionally four) large drums, beaten on the right hand with a mallet. Today however the maximum size of the drum section is 6 to 14 drummers, depending on the group or ensemble. They are followed by players using a gong, a traditional flute (suling), some hand-held kettle-gongs (similar with bonang), today shoulder mounted, and many cymbalists (Ceng-Ceng). The size of the ensemble is usually 12–19 persons, with three people to carry and play the heavy gong and a loudspeaker carrier.

The drum is made from a wood frame with goat skin drum-head. The wood is selected from woods which is hard yet light. The goat skin is selected from goats that are approximately 5 years old to make drums with the best sound. There are two different types of gendang used in the ensemble: the male and female gendang. Each is made from a male and female goat. These two types of gendang have different sound quality.

The player for the ensemble is called sekehe. It is composed of males only (usually young boys). There are many gendang beleq clubs in Lombok island. These clubs are supported and sponsored by the Indonesian government and the governments of the local townships as a way to promote Sasak culture and to involve the youth in cultural activities. The clubs usually practice once a week. During performances, the players will use colorful traditional Sasak dress, which is similar to the related Balinese dress.