Program Options:
- Workshop field trip to Asano Taiko U.S. (world class taiko facility in Torrance, CA)
- Workshops for students with taiko drums or classroom instruments
- Visiting artist in residence
- Interactive school performance
- Professional development for teachers also available
Sample Workshop Descriptions
Title: Body Bayashi
Recommended workshop duration: 45 mins – 1 hours
Video: https://youtu.be/3gb92R-N-r8
Objectives: An innovative approach of practicing rhythm and multiple parts simultaneously. Using body percussion to practice shime and kane parts of “mikoshi bayashi”
Brief Workshop Content description: Learning the main pattern of “Body Bayashi,”a body music/dance piece created during San Francisco International Orff Courses based on the kuchi-shoga of “Mikoshi Bayashi” – a basic pattern from the festival music of old Tokyo, as learned from Kenny Endo-sensei in his ensemble weekly Edo Bayashi practice. The purpose of the dance is to internalize and embody the interlocking relationship between two instruments. A very challenging but fascinating exercise. The exercise can also be applied to any taiko pieces for ear training and strengthen listening skills.
Target Grade Level: 3rd – 12th
Equipment: workshop can run without taiko, could use one or several shime and kane but not necessary. Might use audio equipment if available.
Title: Taiko FUNdamentals
Recommended workshop duration: 45 mins to 2 hours
Objectives: Studies have proven that our learning abilities are maximised within a fun and supportive atmosphere. Through the use of musical games and dance (taiko, clapping games, songs, body music, etc.), participants learn about the art of taiko. The fundamentals of music are internalized through physical involvement and multi-sensory activities, then applied to the taiko, all while having fun.
Brief Workshop Content description: Through a series of FUN songs and games with taiko drumming, Taiko Fundamentals focuses on developing the participants’ musicality level, creativity and sense of originality. Experience the fun of playing games that strengthen ensemble listening skills, while developing stage presence and interaction.
Target Grade Level: K-8
Equipment: Taiko Drums (optional), classroom drums, sound shape, rhythm sticks
Recommended workshop duration: 45mins to 1 hour
Video: https://youtu.be/ki7ukJuryo4?t=48s
Objectives: Introduce various creative movement exercises with hand drums or sound shape. Learning a taiko drumming piece with song, dance and drumming.
Brief Workshop Content description: Participants will learn an original taiko piece with song, drum and dance. The piece explores graceful approach to taiko drumming through various singing and creative movement exercises with the fan drums/sound shapes.
Target Grade Level: PreK – 8th
Equipment: Uchiwa daiko (fan drums) or Sound Shape or Hand drums
Recommended workshop duration: 1 hours
Video: https://youtu.be/o0FGRU3eCxw
Objectives: Introduction to various drills and exercises that challenges drummers’ listening skills, bachi control and dexterity. The drills lead into the composition “Quitiplas in the Pocket” by Yeeman Mui.
Brief Workshop Content description (without taiko): learning polymeter patterns and drills though various body percussions exercise. Participants will be learning patterns from the Quitiplas music from Venezuela.
Brief Workshop Content description (with taiko): a piece for solo improvisation on the slant style (naname) drums. The poly-meter base beat is adapted from the Venezuelan Quitiplas music with a stylized solo cue created by Yeeman Mui. The piece focuses on creating different tonalities of the drum. The Venezuelan-inspired polymeter backbeat is challenging but also has a distinctive groove that can open up various platforms for improvisation.
Target Grade Level: 4th-12th