Taiko たいこ (太鼓)

Kita no Taiko きた の たいこ has been Alberta's foremost Japanese drumming group since 1987. Its name translates to "drums of the north". Taiko たいこliterally means 'drum', but also refers to the art form that utilizes ensemble playing with a variety of drum types, and is popular around the world. The group's interpretation of the art of taiko involves spirited choreography and physicality, as well as music. When the drummers play as a group, they feel the energy connect them to each other and to the taiko themselves. They try to portray a traditional view of the art. They wear uniforms of happi coats はっぴ, momohiki pants ももひき, hachimaki はちまき, obi おび and tabi たび. They enjoy blending tradition with innovation for their performances as well as collaborating with other groups to blend their art forms. Over the years, they have worked together with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Shumka Ukrainian Dance, Cassius Khan, Mieko Ouchi, and many other.

Taiko has roots in ancient Japan where it was used in temples for prayer, in villages for communication, during war for morale boosting and of course, during festivals. The ensemble (called kumi-daiko) styles of performance did not come about until the 1950s when Daihachi Oguchi, a jazz drummer, decided to combine taiko with jazz band elements. Kumi-daiko reached North America in the late 1960s and has taken off with multiple groups forming across the United States and Canada. We hope you enjoy your experience with Taiko!

For more information on workshops and shows, see Kito no Taiko's webpage: www.kitanotaiko.ca ; follow them on Instagram: Kita_no_taiko ; or search Kita No Taiko on Facebook.