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 Omiyage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Omiyage. Show all posts
Friday, August 7, 2009
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.
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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!
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