Membership policy as of Fall 2021:

Community Membership

Community Membership encompasses the full GSJ community, regardless of current ensemble participation. We welcome friends, family, fans, GSJ students, musicians, dancers, members of the local Indonesian community, and anyone else who is interested in participating with GSJ in any capacity. Community members support the overall mission of GSJ and can make sliding scale monthly contributions.

GSJ provides participation opportunities to community members such as events, a newsletter, ticket and merch discounts, and virtual and in-person learning opportunities as resources permit. We also encourage the larger community to help out when volunteer opportunities arise.

Ensemble Membership

Ensemble members are community members who also commit to artistic excellence, rehearsal and performance attendance, and respect to our master teachers and to the continuity of learning this art form.

Aspiring ensemble members should have some experience with Indonesian gamelan or dance. That experience can be gained through Gamelan Sekar Jaya’s public classes, lessons or programs in Bali, or experience in another gamelan ensemble outside of Bali. Depending on the prospective member’s experience, non-Balinese styles of gamelan may also be suitable. To inquire about becoming an ensemble member, email General Manager Gillian Irwin at gillian@gsj.org. She will connect you with the appropriate ensemble coordinator(s) based on your interest, experience, and schedule.

Ensemble members are strongly encouraged to make monthly membership contributions at the Patron level or above (see “Make your member contribution” section below). Ensemble coordinators and artists-in-residence determine which members may participate in specific performances.

How to Make Your Contribution

To begin or maintain active status as a member, please make a contribution in an amount that is significant to you. See video and notes below for details. Contribution levels are described below:

• Balinese Arts Benefactor ($250+ monthly or $5,000+ in a year)

• Donors’ Circle ($75- 249 monthly or $1,000-4,999 in a year)

• STRONGLY ENCOURAGED FOR ENSEMBLE MEMBERS: Patron ($50-74 monthly or $750-999 in a year)

• Partner ($20-49 monthly or $250-749 in a year)

• Supporter ($1-19 monthly or $10-249 in a year)

Note: No potential member will be turned away for lack of funds. Members who are unable to give at any of the above levels should contact Gillian AT gsj.org to make sure they are included in member communications.

Monthly recurring contributions are highly encouraged, but not mandatory. Annual or biannual contributions are equally valuable. Members are encouraged to check with their employers about employer matching gift or other employee giving programs.

For questions about payment, please contact Rebecca AT gsj.org or call Rebecca.

Gamelan Sekar Jaya is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public benefit organization.

Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Pay Instrument Deposit

If you are borrowing a GSJ instrument to keep at your home in order to participate, you must pay a fully refundable $100 instrument deposit. The deposit will be returned to you within a week of returning the instrument in good condition. You will be responsible for the (substantial) cost of repairing or replacing a damaged or lost instrument. Coordinate pick-up and drop-off with staff.

Purchase Suling and/or Panggul Gender

Due to COVID concerns, we are asking that Fall 2020 suling learners buy an instrument (new instruments, made by a craftsman in Pengosekan, Bali), and that gender learners purchase a set of panggul. If you are unable to afford this expense, staff will set you up with an instrument or panggul to borrow.

Pay Costume Deposit

Policy Updated 9/2014

The deposit for new and returning members to Gamelan Sekar Jaya is $100. All members who joined the group September 2014 are required to pay an additional deposit of $60. This policy came into effect when the group acquired new uniforms in September 2014.

Returning your costume if you leave GSJ:

• Return your costume cleaned and with all pieces to receive your full $100 deposit. 

• If the costume is not cleaned, you’ll receive $50. 

• If pieces are missing you’ll be charged the fees for loss described below.

Fees for loss of costume pieces:

• Jas or Kebaya: $75
• Udeng: $40
• Saput: $40
• Kamben: $40
• Slendang: $10
• Full costume replacement: $205

For full ensemble member information, including the ensemble member handbook, please visit members.gsj.org. The members.gsj.org website is a private site, accessible only to GSJ ensemble members.