By Wan Eizzul Islam Wan Zulkifli
A beautiful and inspiring cultural night was held at the Cultural Activities Centre (CAC) on 11 September 2014 for all new IIUM students who arrived for the September 2014/2015 intake. The stage was set with astonishing bright colours. It was jam packed with assorted instruments ranging from an accordion to various drums of all shapes and sizes.
The lights that accompanied were dazzling and created a sense of ambience and grace around the hall. Students were mesmerised and amazed at the performances that followed. They applauded and cheered ecstatically.
Notable performances included that of many renditions of popular contemporary and classic songs as well as the comedic drama performed by the Theatre Club of IIUM.
As the night continued, many new students had showed their enthusiasm to find out more on how to join the cultural society of IIUM.
Students who are interested can register for auditions to join various clubs offered in IIUM. Why not get acquainted with the following musical instruments and consider joining any of the clubs?
Gamelan – main element of Indonesian traditional music played by various types of orchestras. The most popular gamelan can be found in Java and Bali.
Caklempong – a set of small ‘gongs’ or bonangs’, each one having a specific pitch consisting of 3 basic sets namely ‘gereteh’, ‘saua’, and ‘tingkah’. Caklempong is often played with ‘gendang ibu’ and ‘gendang anak’, harmonica, flute and ‘pupuik’ (small trumpet like instrument).
Angklung – made out of two bamboo tubes attached to a bamboo frame, the tubes are carved so that they have a resonant pitch when struck. Each of the three or more angklung performers in an ensemble will play just one note and together make complete melodies.
Theatre – a branch of the performing arts. While any performance may be considered a theatre, as a performing art, it focuses almost exclusively on live performers creating a self-contained drama. A performance qualifies as a drama by creating representational illusion.
Acoustic Band – a musical ensemble that consists of two or more musicians who perform instrumental or vocal music. In each musical style, different norms have developed for the sizes and composition of different ensembles and for the repertoire of songs or musical works that these ensembles perform.
Zapin – from the mixture of Malay-Arab, Zapin Melayu was later introduced as one of the dance to be performed during ceremonies and spread throughout the Malay-Arab archipelago. Also known as Jipin, Jepin, Dana or Zafin, it was created from the influence of steps and songs from Hydramauth and then evolved with the touches of Malay style until it became part of Malay culture.
Dikir Barat – a musical form that is typically performed by a group of ten to fifteen members in a competitive setting with instrumental accompaniment. The group usually sits crossed-legged on a platform, sometimes surrounded by audience.
Poetry – a form of literary art in which language is used for its aesthetic and evocative qualities in addition to, or in lieu of its apparent meaning. Poetry may be written independently, as discrete poems, or may occur in conjunction with other arts, as in poetic drama, hymns, lyrics or prose writing.
Nasyid – an Islamic-oriented song. Traditionally, it is sung in a cappella, accompanied only by a daff. This musical style is used because many Muslim scholars interpret Islam as prohibiting musical instruments except for some basic percussion. A new generation of ‘Nasheed’ artists now use a wide variety of musical instruments in their art.
Creative Production Club – produces short films, video advertisements, corporate videos and public service announcements (PSA). Other than competing in various film and video competitions, this club welcomes members who are interested in learning and improving their skills in acting, directing, script writing and works behind the scene.
For more details and enquiries, students can visit:
Cultural Centre,
International Islamic University Malaysia,
Level 2, Rectory Building,
IIUM Gombak Campus
Tel: +6 03-6196 4000 ext: 3645/4096