Gerong

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Gerong is the Javanese verb meaning "to sing in a chorus." Penggerong is the proper name of a member of the chorus, but often the word gerong is used in English as a noun to refer to the unison male chorus that sings with the gamelan. The chorus or the melody may also be called the gerongan.

The gerong generally sings in distinct sections of a gamelan composition, often after a cue (sirep) for the other instruments to play quietly. There are certain standard texts which are used in many compositions, which are based in traditional Javanese poetic forms known as macapat. Other pieces have specific words.

The style of singing of the gerong is different from that of the sindhen, in that it is more strict in rhythm and less open to improvisation. Because it is generally so well defined, it can be notated in kepatihan notation, and often is for students of gamelan.

Instruments and vocals used in Javanese gamelan
Colotomic instruments: Balungan instruments: Panerusan instruments: Unpitched instruments: Vocals and clapping:		Kempyang and ketuk | Kempul | Kenong | Gong Saron panerus | Saron barung | Demung | Slenthem | Slentho Bonang | Gendér | Gambang | Siter | Celempung | Suling | Rebab Kendang | Bedug | Kecer | Kemanak | Kepyak Gerong | Sindhen | Alok | Senggakan | Keplok