In this section we'll focus on Beta basics and the song BRATs Renshu
Beta Fundamentals
Memorizing a song can be challenging. Here are some helpful tips
Sing the melody-singing means you are hearing the song an additional way. Feel free to sing it whenever- while playing it on the taiko, washing the dishes, running errands, or even right before bed
Write it out in your own way- I've given you the kuchishoga but you can always write it in your own "language" to help you memorize it more easily
Play the melody on your body- tap it out on your lap, your chest, your shoulders, etc. Physically touching your body with the melody can help get it into your body more.
Repeat, repeat, repeat- of course, playing/singing it over and over again will lead to memorizing it. Even if you only review it a couple times a day, that wil help!
BRATs Renshu: Arrangement
Introduction- the introduction will be simpler than what is written in the kuchishoga document
We will start the song with a simpler 16 doko count (like in the video)
Refer to the video and kuchishoga to the right to practice the arrangement
The arrangement is as follows:
1st time- Trisha (Side A), Students (Side B)
2nd time- Side A (Black), Side B (Pink)
3rd time- Everyone plays together; Last two lines are split side A & B with ending together
Anything in Red is played together
Arrangement begins after 16 dokos
Beta Fundamentals
Playing with a ji can help you stay on beat and at a consistent speed
Use this metronome (or use your own) to practice playing with a ji
Set time signature to 1/4
Set speed to 208 (this is the speed we are aiming to perform at)
Every 2 beats is like a doko
If 208 is too fast, reduce the speed then increase the speed once you feel comfortable
BRATs Renshu: Arrangement
Refer to the video and kuchishoga to the right to practice the arrangement
The arrangement is as follows:
1st time- Trisha calls, Students respond
2nd time- Side A (Black) calls, Side B (Pink) responds
3rd time- Everyone plays together; Last two lines are split side A & B with ending together
Anything in Red is played together
Arrangement begins after 16 dokos
Beta Fundamentals
Breakdown of basic Don
Lift arms straight up to the sky
Bend elbows pointing them at the taiko
Keep a loose grip. Bachi should naturally bend back towards you
Snap wrist forward to hit taiko
Practice each move separately then in one fluid movement
BRATs Renshu: Lines 1-6
Don Kon Don Kon Doko Hup! Doko
Don Kon Don Kon Doko Kara Don Kon
Repeat lines 1 and 2
Su Don Su Kon Su Don Kon
Su Doko Su Doko Do Kon Ko Don
Doko Doko (Doko Doko) Doko Doko (Doko Doko)
Doko (Doko) Doko (Doko) Doko (Doko) Do Kon Ko Don
Practice singing and playing the melody over the ji (doko doko)
Play the ji on your lap or use the link below for a metronome
Metronome
Link to a metronome
Set to 100 with a time signature 1/4
The beginning of each line should start on the "1" count
Feel free to set the metronome to a slower or faster speed
Beta Fundamentals
Practice drill
Large- Don Hup! Kon Hup! 4x
Medium- Doko 8x
Small- Tsuku Tsuku 8x
Practice playing these hits in this order
Large, medium, small, medium, large, etc.
Remember to keep a loose grip and only tighten to catch the bachi as it bounces off the taiko then immediately loosen your grip again
BRATs Renshu: Lines 1-5
Refer to video for the first 5 lines
Don Kon Don Kon Doko Hup! Doko
Don Kon Don Kon Doko Kara Don Kon
Repeat lines 1 and 2
Su Don Su Kon Su Don Kon
Su Doko Su Doko Do Kon Ko Don
Doko Doko (Doko Doko) Doko Doko (Doko Doko)
Beta Fundamentals
Tips on different types of taiko hits
Small hit (tsuku)- wiggle your wrists
Medium hit (doko)- bend your elbows
Large hit (Don Kon)- Lift arms with shoulders
BRATs Renshu: Lines 1-4
Refer to video for the first 4 lines
Don Kon Don Kon Doko Hup! Doko
Don Kon Don Kon Doko Kara Don Kon
Repeat lines 1 and 2
Su Don Su Kon Su Don Kon
Su Kodo Su Doko Do Kon Ko Don
Beta Fundamentals
Stance
Wide, relaxed stance with toes facing forward
Hara (your center or hips) face the taiko
Knees are slightly bent, not locked
Bachi position
Arms are straight and relaxed. Do not lock your elbows
Tips of bachi are pointing towards the center of the taiko, forming a "V."
Use your ring and pinkie fingers to control your bachi. The rest of your fingers should be loosely wrapped around the bachi
Stroke
Keep a loose grip
Grip only tightens when bachi bounces back after striking drum and then relax
Use the momentum of the bachi! Practice inhaling when lifting your bachi up then exhaling when you drop your arm
Lead with your elbow
Song Learning: Kuchishoga
Taiko traditionally learned through kuchishoga ("kuchi" means mouth, "shoga" means song) or singing the lines
Each word means a different kind of hit
Don Kon- loud right then left
Doko- medium right then left
Tsuku- soft right then left
Ka Ra- rim right then left
Su- space
Hup! Sore!- kiai, vocalization
BRATs Renshu: Lines 1-4
Refer to video for the first 4 lines
Don Kon Don Kon Doko Hup! Doko
Don Kon Don Kon Doko Kara Don Kon
Repeat lines 1 and 2
Su Don Su Kon Su Don Kon
Su Kodo Su Doko Do Kon Ko Don
Kadon Online Course (paid) with Shoji Kameda (Free Lesson on Youtube)
Asano Taiko US Course with Yuta Kato (Free Lesson on Youtube)
3 Stretches for Beta Playing with Vivian Lee, Physical Therapist
Chudaiko Maple bachi (lighter) for practice. If you prefer heavier bachi, Chudaiko Oak bachi are also an option. Recommended bachi length is length from your elbow to end of middle finger.
Queer Taiko- led by Kristy Aki Oshiro (they/them). A multi-cultural and intergenerational group of LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies committed to building trans and queer community, representation and visibility through taiko. Based in Oakland, the group meets on Friday nights and is always accepting new members and drop ins. Family classes also available. No experience is necessary for most events. Sign up via Meetup.