The Function Of Gendang As Musical Performance In A Marriage Ceremony In The Karo Society

In the Karo society the gendang performances at a the marriage ceremony is very important. So important that there is no more marriage ceremony without it. Observation and analysis show that legalized marriages is not with the gendang performances, but are very important to support on the three parts of a series of events at the marriage ceremony. First, accompanying sukut or people who perform the ceremony to enter the ceremony place with their kinsfolk both the groom's family and the bride's family. Second, to accompany the bride and groom to dance and sing alternately. Third, accompanying sukut with their kinsfolk dancing together while delivering speech acts, both the groom's family and the bride's family. The most important functions of gendang performance are: i) as one of the norms in a marriage ceremony, ii) as a physical reaction, iii) as a customary communication, and iv) as community integration.