Issue date: 1/25/05 Section: News

Leslieville Public School students perform traditional gamelan music at memorial for tsunami victims

More than two weeks have passed since tsunami waves devastated countries on the coastline of the Indian Ocean. On January 10 a memorial service took place in the Great Hall at Hart House to remember the tragedy that was brought upon millions of people as their cities, homes, and loved ones were lost. The Memorial Service for the Tsunami Disaster was open for the entire UofT community to attend.

Students from Leslieville Public School came to watch their classmates perform traditional gamelan music. As people entered the Great Hall, music of the Gamelan Ensemble welcomed them. This type of music originated from the indigenous people of Indonesia and relies on highly coordinated group interaction to create a melody. Children in the ensemble played metallophones, xylophones, and gongs while their conductor played a bamboo flute and drums. The incorporation of traditional gamelan music was important in remembering the culture affected by the tsunami.

A brief introduction was made, explaining the four condolence books that were set up in the foyer. Once signed, three of the books will be presented to the Consul Generals of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The fourth book will be presented to a graduated UofT student whose parents went missing in the tsunami. Interim President Frank Iacobucci then provided the opening remarks, reflecting on the people lost and missing in the affected countries.

Following the introductions, reflections were made by Geoff Wichert, Coordinator of the Campus Chaplain's Association, Nurcahyo Basuki, a doctoral student in the Department of Geology, Yoshani De Silva, founding member of the UofT Buddhist Student's Association, and Professor Michael Donnelly, Director of the Asian Institute.

Wichert and Donnelly both addressed the devastation caused by the tsunami and reiterated that help is needed. Wichert advised those who are experiencing a spiritual crisis from the tsunami situation to keep a journal, share their stories, and avoid isolation. Donnelly stated that it is a given that other disasters will make headlines in the news, but UofT's commitment to the tsunami relief effort must be long-term. Both speakers concluded that compassion is an asset in assisting Southeast Asia.

Continued...

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