Inspiring Traditional Music Beyond the Classroom

When EBPP received an official invitation to join Karangasem Akhir Pekan (Karangasem Weekend Community Event), I knew it would be more than just a performance. As a traditional music arts teacher, I was given the opportunity to take part and share what I love.

I led the preparation while working closely with teachers from the 8 government elementary schools across Desa Ban. We began practicing in early February 2026, meeting every Friday and Saturday at a school we agreed on together. Even with our busy schedules, we showed up, learned from each other, and grew stronger as a team.

On March 21st, 2026, we finally took to the stage, performing a combination of Genjek and Joged. Genjek is a traditional Balinese vocal performance that uses rhythmic chanting and body percussion; while Joged is a lively social dance that invites interaction with the audience. Bringing these two together created an energetic and engaging performance.

Out of ten performances that night, EBPP Genjek stood out and caught the audience’s attention. Many were curious, as Genjek is part of Balinese culture but is rarely performed today. Our performance also involved the largest number of participants, making it feel more alive and powerful. What made it even more special was the interaction—audience members were invited to join the dance (ngibing), creating a joyful and memorable atmosphere.

This experience reminded me that teaching does not stop in the classroom. What we built when preparing for the event: teamwork, discipline, and love for culture, can also be brought back to our students. I believe that through experiences like this, students can become more confident, more connected, and more proud of their unique traditional Hindu Bali culture.

By: I Nyoman Kartya, EBPP Traditional Music teacher