Monday, July 18, 2011

Largest angklung ensemble: Washington DC sets world record (Video)

WASHINGTON, USA -- During the Indonesian Festival, 5,182 people of various nationalities turned up to literally shake the traditional Indonesian bamboo musical instruments to the tune of "We are the World", setting the world record for the Largest angklung ensemble.

  Photo: People take part in the world's largest angklung ensemble in Washington DC . The 5,182 participants succeeded in setting a new world record, at an event organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Washington DC and the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board. Photo: Antara/Tiya ( enlarge photo )

The Guinness world record for the largest percussion performance was held at the Hong Kong Coliseum, Hong Kong, China on 2 July 2002 when 10,102 people played a percussive rhythm for over 6 minutes.

  Guinness World Records also recognized the largest mandolin ensemble: 383 participants during the Festival at the Mainhoelle 2005 in Bürgstadt, Germany.

  The world record attempt took place during the Indonesian Festival held in an open field in the National Mall, a few blocks away from the White House. The event was organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Washington DC and the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board.

  Thousands of people responded to an invitation by the Indonesian Embassy in Washington to join in the world record breaking feat.
  The throng included Indonesians, Washingtonians, friends of Indonesia and a handful of tourists.

  Each participant was given an angklung representing one note. Each of the seven notes was designated the name of one of Indonesia's main islands.

  The ensemble of amateurs practiced with familiar Western tunes, including "Country Road", to help build their confidence (and more importantly Udjo's confidence) before going for the record.

  Helping the largely novice but enthusiastic players was angklung maestro Daeng Udjo, who was flown in from Indonesia.
  He guided the participants with the movements of his hands, which indicated when it was their turn to shake the angklung.

  As their reward, they went home with the angklung, a batik scarf for women, a batik head band for men and a world record certificate recognizing their part in setting the world record.

  "This is what multiculturalism is all about," Indonesian Ambassador to the US Dino Patti Djalal said about the theme of the Indonesia Festival and his decision to strive for the world record.