One of the most rare musical instrument to the orang ulu Kayan of Malaysia is the “Keledi” which is normally made of matured pumpkin as the hoofer with few bamboo projectiles

Keledi Instruemnent

glued together in 3 of more and drilled into the pumpkin. Sound produced is like from the harmonica. I think this instrument is Kayan Harmonic Musical Instrument.Nobody really can play this special instrument now compare to the Sape musical instrument which can be played by non Kayan now. This instrument normally played together with the Kayan ballad “tekna”. Along the bamboo tubes are drilled holes made as frets..This is one of the oldest musical instrument the Kayan used to play. By the way, the Kayan is a native tribe in Malaysia. Normally found in Sarawak.

As quote in the star lately, hopefully these will continue on so that the industry of music prosper widely among Malaysian generation in par with the rest of the outside world.

Music exam to be held in Malaysia “quoted from the star newspaper Malaysia” below:

STUDENTS can now be tested for their skills on the sheng under the International Examination Board of Chinese Instruments here in Malaysia.

The sheng is a mouth-blown reed instrument consisting of vertical bamboo pipes (see pic).

One of the oldest Chinese instruments, it has been widely played in China since the North and South Period.

Comprising 13, 37 or other different numbers of reeds, it emits sounds through the vibration of the reeds, and produces clear and distinct high pitches and graceful middle and low pitches.

It can sound three notes or more at the same time and therefore is known as a harmonic instrument.

The International Examination Board of Chinese Instruments is jointly conducted by the Central Conservatory of Music, Beijing, China and the Central Conservatory of Music and Arts, Malaysia. Registration for this year’s examination is now open until June 30.

The examination will be held from Aug 15-31 at venues across Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Johor Baru, Ipoh, Sarawak, Sabah, Batu Pahat, Alor Setar and Mentakab.

A total of eight instrument categories are offered. Besides the sheng, there are guzhen, erhu, dizi, yangqin, pipa, ruan, and suona.

Candidates are required to play an exercise piece and two compositions (one of which has to be played from memory) chosen from the repertoire that corresponds to the grade for which they are being examined.

To qualify for the performance grade, a candidate has to possess a ninth-grade certificate. Candidates for the performance grade also need to sit for an oral examination, in which they will be required to describe and analyse the composition they have played, and a basic assessment on rhythm, sight playing and scale.

For more information, log on to
www.ccma.com.my or contact the Central Conservatory of Music and Arts at:03-56372903 or 012-2293836 (Ms Leong). Faxes can also be sent to 03-56373897 or 03-78037862.