Discussion Session - Akitoshi Asano

TBD

Discussion Session - Derek Oye

Taiko is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in North America! In this discussion/lecture, join Taiko Community Alliance (TCA) as it celebrates and remembers taiko’s history in North America, including the evolution of the North American Taiko Conference (NATC). Engage in thoughtful discussions with fellow taiko players and hear from a panel of taiko leaders on their perspectives of taiko’s history and its future.

Taiko Community Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to empower the people and advance the art of taiko.

Katsugi Okedo - Jen Baik

An introductory workshop on the Katsugi okedo style of playing. Katsugu translates to "to carry" and Okedo Daiko translates to "bucket body drum". This styles allows its players to explore playing with movement and on multiple heads while utilizing its unique striking techniques.

We will go over some of the basics of the style including:

1) Maintenance and tying

2) Stance and strike

3) Techniques for moving while playing

4) Drills and light improvisation

Mini Taiko Making - Katsuji Asano & Toshi Kato

Make your own Mini-Taiko out of real cow hide, a solid wooden body, and string! Once you are done, you can take it back home for a nice hand-made accessory (or practice?).

Height = 8 inches, Head Diameter = 5.5 inches

Move! - Kris Bergstrom

Taught like a dance class, Move! teaches a brand-new dynamic naname phrase to rocking music in a fast-paced, fun environment. Expand your naname vocabulary with a mind/body workout!

Odaiko - Yoshikazu Fujimoto

“O-daiko” means large drum. It usually refers to a drum of around 100 cm in diameter that is played on a high stand. In this workshop, you’ll steady yourself with your feet firmly planted and use your entire body to beat the mighty drum, one powerful stroke after the other. Play the drum like you’re singing a song and see how far we can make the rousing beats resonate. The sky’s the limit!

Odaiko "Unleash your 100%!" - Yosuke

This is a workshop that builds your technique by unleashing your mind and the body. No technical steps are necessary when you play taiko with your gut instincts. Just come prepared with an open mind and emptied thoughts.

We will be using both Odaiko and Chudaiko, so please come prepared with the appropriate bachi.

Onikenbai - Yoshikazu Fujimoto

In 1998, Yoshikazu Fujimoto was recognized with the award of inka-no-sho (proof of Dharma transmission) for his proficiency in the demon sword dance, Onikenbai, upheld by Iwasaki Onikenbai in Kitakami, Iwate. Since 2007, he has been the dedicated head of Sado Island’s demon sword dance group, “Iwasaki-den Sado Onikenbai.” This dynamic dance uses three main props: a demon mask, a folding fan, and a sword. When you dance Onikenbai to the beat of the drum, you’ll feel the spirit of traditional Japanese culture with your entire body and experience a unique connection with Yoshikazu and the group as you synchronise your minds and movements.

Solo Improvisation "Conversations" - David Wells

Are you a human being? Do you communicate with other (probably) human beings through methods verbal or otherwise? If so, you're likely a stellar improviser! Learn to communicate improvisationally with others in a fun and relaxed environment where you can let the drum do the talking!

SugAmen - Kris Bergstrom

Learn the main, interlocking groove of SugAmen, the taiko version of the famous Amen Break. An exciting rhythm in its own right, the practice of the underlying "sugagaki" technique dramatically improves timing sensitivity.

Taiko Set Drills - David Wells

"If there's one thing on which most drummers can agree, it's that the more drums you have, the better you sound!" -- Famous Drummer

While the above quote is probably apocryphal, playing lots of drums *is* pretty fun. Learn and apply a series of challenging exercises designed to increase your hand speed, stick control, and facility with a set of multiple small taiko.

Voice Circle - Yoko Fujimoto

“For some of us, singing is not part of our everyday life. If we don’t consider ourselves to be “good at singing,” sometimes we end up not singing at all or feeling unable to sing. Having a complex about singing is rather common. Perhaps this stems from a complex about using our voice in general, which is one of the main ways we convey our emotions and ideas.

When I discovered my own “big, beautiful, high-as-possible” voice, my singing, and voice in general, started to become freer. I began “Voice Circle” because I wanted to share that joyful experience of finding your own voice with many people. I want people to experience the wonderful harmonies created when a group comes together and simply lets their own voices echo out. When people share their voices, they are pleasantly surprised by the sense of comfort, the delight, sympathy and energy generated in the group.

Voice Circle incorporates Japanese children’s songs and songs from various regions in Japan. We’ll sing them together and touch on the lives and spirit of the people who sing and uphold these songs.

When you let your voice resonate with others, you will tune in to one another. Come along to release your voice and enjoy the sound and feeling of your voice melding with those around you.” - Yoko Fujimoto