The sape is made from quality hardwood.
ANYONE interested in learning to play the sape?
The Kelab Sape Dayak Sibu is popularising this traditional instrument by organising sape classes.
“Our classes are open to all races and not just for the Dayak. At one time, three Chinese women were our students due to their profound interest in playing the instrument,” said club president Anthony Abong in an interview.
The fee is RM45 per student for the basic class and RM120 for the higher level.
“The basic-level class is a one-off lesson from 8am to 5pm. It is good for students to learn to play music for self-listening pleasure.
“If you want to stage a public performance, then go for the higher-level class, which comprises four lessons during weekends in our premises,” explained Abong.
During the class, learners will be provided with the instrument. For those who want to have a sape of their own, they can buy it from the club at RM800 to RM1,200.
The difference in price, according to Abong, is due to the quality of the wood used to make the instrument.
“The best hardwood to make the sape is pelaie, which is found deep in the jungle. Sapes made from pelaie wood make enchanting music,” Abong added.
The sape, the traditional lute instrument of Sarawak’s Orang Ulu community, looks similar to a guitar but produces a different sound.
The traditional sape has four strings only and is played by the elderly.
Nowadays there is the six-string instrument, played by youths for contemporary music.
Abong said the Kelab Sape Dayak Sibu was formed in 2017 and currently has 30 members.
“Before that we did not have any platform to popularise the instrument and to conduct our activities.
“Every sape player was on his own. But now we have our own rented premises at Jalan Kampung Datu,” he said.
Five of the members are sape tutors, while another member teaches the traditional Iban dance known as ngajat.
Abong also said the club has received invitations from various organisations, including Chinese NGOs, to perform.
“We charge a fee of RM2,000 for a performance,” he said, adding that each show usually comprises 10 members playing the sape and performing the ngajat.
