Time has flown by so quickly! STI is over and we're moving, full-force, into a jam-packed NATC weekend. Hopefully I'll snag some time to keep writing!
Yesterday was the final day of the 2009 Summer Taiko Institute. I was sad to see it go... There's really something great about gathering with a group of people who've never played together before, learning with them, getting challenged by and with them, and bringing it all together with a performance. (okay, it was more like a "showing".)
The song we learned, like Omiyage, is meant to be shared with the taiko community--anyone can perform it. In Shoji's opinion Omiyage, which has been released under a free art license failed to take shape has he hoped, so yesterday morning he spoke to us about how he really wishes this new song to be used by the taiko community.
On Ensemble really embraces differences in people. There's no one way to play taiko--this was communicated loud and clear. But, in addition to that, it's also important to explore and discover what works for you. What is taiko? You must experiment and discover that for yourself. If you want to really say something when you're on the stage, you must take ownership of what you're playing.
Keeping this in mind, Shoji went on to explain that if you use this new song, he hopes you'll make it your own. Take it, pull it apart, put it back together, experiment, share it. Don't say this song is "by Shoji Kameda" because when you use it, it should be yours.
Take a look at one of our final rehearsals of the song below. Be sure to visit my YouTube page for more videos from the week! (I'll continue to post videos in the coming weeks.)
A place for useful tips, drills, and information about taiko.
Showing posts with label North American Taiko Conference. Show all posts
Showing posts with label North American Taiko Conference. Show all posts
Friday, August 7, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Narasu, Summer Taiko Institute (STI) Day 1
I'm here in LA for the Summer Taiko Institute with On Ensemble. We had a great first day and I took lots of video clips that I'd love to share with you, but will have to upload them later--keep an eye out for them. I'll post a Twitter when I actually get them up.
Yesterday was jam-packed with lots of instruction and I really can't recapture everything here. So, my thought is that I'll take one thing that stuck out in my mind for the day and share it with you.
Kris Bergstrom talked quite a bit about "narasu" as he explained On Ensemble's stance when playing the drum. "Narasu" is the verb in Japanese for "to ring" or "to chime". He suggested that, as we consider our role in standing before a taiko, we think "narasu" instead of "tataku" which means simply "to hit" or "to strike".
Kris and On Ensemble's stance really focuses on connecting with the drum, rather than connecting with your audience. They accomplish this by creating a gentle space between your body and the drum as well as between your arms and the drum, focusing more in the drum's direction with your eyes and your upper body, and setting your feet up more vertically (right foot further back than most).
However, like everything they shared, everything is flexible depending on circumstance: What kind of mood does your song have? Do you want to show a connection with the audience instead? How about connecting with your fellow members? Considering and discussing the relationship your own group has to taiko, to each other, and your audience when playing, and then experimenting how to do this is a great way to refine your group's own style.
It's important to keep in mind that there's no one way to play taiko. I think when someone has only one or a few resources, it's certainly tough to keep this in mind.
But, if the above seems to ring true for your taiko goals, get out there and ring your drum!
Yesterday was jam-packed with lots of instruction and I really can't recapture everything here. So, my thought is that I'll take one thing that stuck out in my mind for the day and share it with you.
Kris Bergstrom talked quite a bit about "narasu" as he explained On Ensemble's stance when playing the drum. "Narasu" is the verb in Japanese for "to ring" or "to chime". He suggested that, as we consider our role in standing before a taiko, we think "narasu" instead of "tataku" which means simply "to hit" or "to strike".
Kris and On Ensemble's stance really focuses on connecting with the drum, rather than connecting with your audience. They accomplish this by creating a gentle space between your body and the drum as well as between your arms and the drum, focusing more in the drum's direction with your eyes and your upper body, and setting your feet up more vertically (right foot further back than most).
However, like everything they shared, everything is flexible depending on circumstance: What kind of mood does your song have? Do you want to show a connection with the audience instead? How about connecting with your fellow members? Considering and discussing the relationship your own group has to taiko, to each other, and your audience when playing, and then experimenting how to do this is a great way to refine your group's own style.
It's important to keep in mind that there's no one way to play taiko. I think when someone has only one or a few resources, it's certainly tough to keep this in mind.
But, if the above seems to ring true for your taiko goals, get out there and ring your drum!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Taiko Drill Part 44, DON TSU KU (taiko set)
Hey there! One of these days I'm going to get all these posts organized, but it's a bit too busy right now. I'm leaving for Summer Taiko Institute in LA with On Ensemble in just 2 days and am looking forward to some new challenges to mind, body, and rhythm!
In the meantime, today's drill is quite simple. Hopefully you've gotten a sense of how to move smoothly back and forth between drums at a moderate pace. Here's another pattern to practice just that.
Focus: Form, Timing
Watch For:
1. Be sure to use a metronome to practice this drill. This helps tremendously with timing. Always work at a comfortable speed where you can keep the pace steady. Need a metronome? Check out my brief intro to my newest Dr. Beat.
2. Keep control from your core!
Today's pattern is 3 don tsuku, followed by do ko do ko. This basic pattern is looped. Aim for 15-20 minutes without stopping.
The initial "don" is played on your high-pitched drum, to your right. The following "tsu ku" and next 2 "don tsu kus" are on the lower-pitched drum, to your left. The initial "do ko" is played on the left drum, and the second is played on the right drum.
Check out the video for an example (I can't view the video at the moment, so I hope the above explanation is correct!):
I'll be playing next week by ear since I'll be in in LA all week for STI and NATC. I'm really looking forward to hitting a drum right now!
Anyone out there going to NATC??
In the meantime, today's drill is quite simple. Hopefully you've gotten a sense of how to move smoothly back and forth between drums at a moderate pace. Here's another pattern to practice just that.
Focus: Form, Timing
Watch For:
1. Be sure to use a metronome to practice this drill. This helps tremendously with timing. Always work at a comfortable speed where you can keep the pace steady. Need a metronome? Check out my brief intro to my newest Dr. Beat.
2. Keep control from your core!
Today's pattern is 3 don tsuku, followed by do ko do ko. This basic pattern is looped. Aim for 15-20 minutes without stopping.
The initial "don" is played on your high-pitched drum, to your right. The following "tsu ku" and next 2 "don tsu kus" are on the lower-pitched drum, to your left. The initial "do ko" is played on the left drum, and the second is played on the right drum.
Check out the video for an example (I can't view the video at the moment, so I hope the above explanation is correct!):
I'll be playing next week by ear since I'll be in in LA all week for STI and NATC. I'm really looking forward to hitting a drum right now!
Anyone out there going to NATC??
Sunday, May 10, 2009
NATC update and Taiko Jam!
In case you haven't checked the NATC website recently, registration opened on April 12. You can conveniently pay online this year, right through the website. This year's cost is $250, with discounts for youth (under 25) and JACCC members.
The list of workshops is available, though you must sign up with a log-in name and password in order to view them. Online registration is not yet available, but when it is activated you can only register for workshops if your payment has been verified. (So, if you've got your eye on a popular workshop, register now so you can be sure to get in!)
Taiko Jam 2009
Saturday, August 8, 8:00pm
Sunday, August 9, 3:00pm
The list of workshops is available, though you must sign up with a log-in name and password in order to view them. Online registration is not yet available, but when it is activated you can only register for workshops if your payment has been verified. (So, if you've got your eye on a popular workshop, register now so you can be sure to get in!)
Taiko Jam 2009
Saturday, August 8, 8:00pm
Sunday, August 9, 3:00pm
includes performances by:
With only 2 shows, tickets are sure to sell out fast at $32-$35! In fact, from my estimation, as of today the Saturday show is already a little less than 1/3 sold out and the Sunday show at just about 1/4.
Tickets for Taiko Jam are not included in NATC registration.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Want to Buy a Taiko?
Hi there! I mentioned in my last post that I've had quite a few taiko visitors lately. I'm sure that many of you have heard of TAIKOPROJECT's song, Omiyage. Perhaps even a few of you play it! Well, I thought I'd try to have a bit of a "cultural" exchange here in Wakayama. I invited Yuta Kato to teach Omiyage to my taiko group, Shippu Uchi Daiko, last week.
After the workshop, which went quite well, Yuta stayed with me and my husband for a couple of days. I know his father makes taiko, but wanted to get the scoop. Yuta highly recommends his dad's drums, so I decided to contact Mr. Kato directly and ask a few questions:
Q: What kinds of taiko does Kato Taiko make?
A: Kato Taiko makes naga-do (chu/o-daiko), hira-do, and oke-do. Upright, slant, and o-daiko stands are available. I also provide taiko repair/rennovation services and can engrave your drum for you.
Q: Do you sell taiko-making supplies, tacks, or kan?
A: Actually, I don't do this normally. Tacks or kan might be possible, but could take up to 2 months because I order these from Japan.
Q: How much do Kato Taiko drums cost?
A: Naga-do start at $750 (plus shipping, if required). Hira-do start at $725 (plus shipping, if required). You can find specific information about the prices and drums available on my website, www.katotaiko.com
Q: Will you be at NATC this year selling drums?
A: Yes! I'll be there.
Q: Can participants of NATC order drums and pick them up from you at the conference? If so, how far in advance is an order required?
A: Yes, this is possible. It's difficult to anticipate a deadline because this really depends on how many orders I have to fulfill. Certainly, earlier is better and probably by mid-June at the latest. Please have anyone interested contact me directly through my website.
------
I recommend you browse Mr. Kato's website for information if you're considering buying taiko. It's fun to read about how he got started in the business and you can also read about how his taiko were involved in the movie, Memoirs of a Geisha.
Enjoy!
After the workshop, which went quite well, Yuta stayed with me and my husband for a couple of days. I know his father makes taiko, but wanted to get the scoop. Yuta highly recommends his dad's drums, so I decided to contact Mr. Kato directly and ask a few questions:
Q: What kinds of taiko does Kato Taiko make?
A: Kato Taiko makes naga-do (chu/o-daiko), hira-do, and oke-do. Upright, slant, and o-daiko stands are available. I also provide taiko repair/rennovation services and can engrave your drum for you.
Q: Do you sell taiko-making supplies, tacks, or kan?
A: Actually, I don't do this normally. Tacks or kan might be possible, but could take up to 2 months because I order these from Japan.
Q: How much do Kato Taiko drums cost?
A: Naga-do start at $750 (plus shipping, if required). Hira-do start at $725 (plus shipping, if required). You can find specific information about the prices and drums available on my website, www.katotaiko.com
Q: Will you be at NATC this year selling drums?
A: Yes! I'll be there.
Q: Can participants of NATC order drums and pick them up from you at the conference? If so, how far in advance is an order required?
A: Yes, this is possible. It's difficult to anticipate a deadline because this really depends on how many orders I have to fulfill. Certainly, earlier is better and probably by mid-June at the latest. Please have anyone interested contact me directly through my website.
------
I recommend you browse Mr. Kato's website for information if you're considering buying taiko. It's fun to read about how he got started in the business and you can also read about how his taiko were involved in the movie, Memoirs of a Geisha.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
2009 Summer Taiko Institute, August 3, 4, 5
Applications are being accepted for this year's STI which will be lead by On Ensemble in LA. Please check out the website for full details, but here's a short excerpt on what to expect:
"On Ensemble is composing a brand new taiko piece, to be debuted at STI and taught to the 25 participants! With the piece as a foundation, the program explores each step of the song cycle: from practice to performance to critical review and revision. In addition to basic form and technique training, participants learn practical tips for improving timing, musicality, and playing as a group. As the song is further polished, supplementary drills and performance concepts for refinement are explored. Along with specific techniques, rhythms, and drills, participants learn the On Ensemble members’ underlying philosophies and creative processes. STI participants come away empowered to apply the concepts to future songs. The course provides numerous take-home materials, in addition to the new piece itself, for sharing with participants’ home groups."
I attended the STI in 2007 and found it to be a great learning experience, especially for those who live in a place with few taiko resources. It's also conveniently scheduled just before NATC, so it's easy to attend both. If you have any questions about my time at the last STI, please post in the comments. Thanks!
"On Ensemble is composing a brand new taiko piece, to be debuted at STI and taught to the 25 participants! With the piece as a foundation, the program explores each step of the song cycle: from practice to performance to critical review and revision. In addition to basic form and technique training, participants learn practical tips for improving timing, musicality, and playing as a group. As the song is further polished, supplementary drills and performance concepts for refinement are explored. Along with specific techniques, rhythms, and drills, participants learn the On Ensemble members’ underlying philosophies and creative processes. STI participants come away empowered to apply the concepts to future songs. The course provides numerous take-home materials, in addition to the new piece itself, for sharing with participants’ home groups."
I attended the STI in 2007 and found it to be a great learning experience, especially for those who live in a place with few taiko resources. It's also conveniently scheduled just before NATC, so it's easy to attend both. If you have any questions about my time at the last STI, please post in the comments. Thanks!
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