Higher Achievement Program

I love sharing taiko. In particular, I love sharing taiko with kids who most likely otherwise would have little or no connection to Japanese culture. All it takes is one experience to get a child interested in thinking about other parts of the world, which can bring about an open mind and an awareness of the endless possibilities for their future.

I had the privilege the last few months of working with the dedicated scholars at the Higher Achievement Program, a non-profit located in Washington DC dedicated to developing "academic skills, behaviors, and attitudes in academically motivated and under-served middle school children." On November 4, 2009 First Lady Michelle Obama presented Higher Achievement with the Coming Up Taller Award, the nation’s highest honor for out-of-school time organizations providing humanities and arts programming to children with great potential but limited outlets for creative expression.

While most of the program is academic-focused, I was one of two elective teachers at Ward 6 brought in to work with the scholars 3 times a week. While it was just a short time we had together, it was so amazing to watch their thirst for information on taiko, Japan, and Japanese just grow and grow. My students took our time together seriously (as you can see on their faces in the video :) ), and strove to do well. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity with them and so very proud of their performance.

The show started with a skit (written by Victoria Der), but you can't really hear that part clearly. I suggest you begin the video at about 1:54 and Matsuri will start soon after.

National Marathon 2010

My recent frustrations with trying to find a practice space in DC have often led to suggestions by friends that I just go play outside somewhere, maybe at Dupont Circle. I've never really had the guts to do it myself, but there is strength in numbers--besides, taiko is more fun with friends.

So, last Saturday, March 20, 2010, Joe Small, Elizabeth McDonald, and I met at my apartment at 5:30AM. After some water and nourishment, we strapped on katsugi okedo, filled a backpack with chappa and chan chiki, and headed out to lay claim to a street corner.

It was the morning of the Sun Trust National Marathon, and what good place to make noise! The crowd was not large, so we had no trouble finding a spot. As far as what to play... well, the 3 of us had never played together before, and we definitely had our struggles. But, the experimentation & great weather made for a fun 2.5 hours together.

Some of you know that I love to layer rhythmic patterns and, most recently, I've been thinking a lot about taking one polyrhythm and breaking it apart or combining it with a different polyrhythm. So, I played 3 against 4 while Joe played 2 against 3 on top if it, double time. I think it turned out pretty cool, but let me know your thoughts in the comments!



You can hear a breakdown of each polyrhythm we used on the Polyrhythm entry on Wikipedia.

And, here's an ATT drill on polyrhythms, including a fun Extension for groups!

Part 61, 2 Against 3

Some Changes

Well, it seems time to re-evaluate.

I've struggled during the last 5 months to secure practice space in Washington, DC and recently succeeded... only to lose the space due to noise complaints by a neighbor. Not only is this a disappointment to me as a taiko player, but also to me as a blogger. It's been tough to post drills with videos played on my bed. So, I've been thinking it might be time to consider how to best use this online space.

At least for now the Friday drills will be no longer. I plan to write about taiko-related things still, don't get me wrong. But, I think it's time to organize what already exists on ATT in a more user-friendly way (especially for those just coming upon the site, 1.5 years after its birth). So, I'll take a break for a while, as I restructure my thoughts and resources; and be back within a few weeks with a fresh plan.

If you'd like to be notified when I'm posting again, please subscribe through Blogger or Twitter in the sidebar. Feel free to look through the existing posts and drills, organized by date and topic, as well.

I hope you are all healthy in mind, body, and spirit! Ganbatte.

--Carrie

Guess What??

Want to check these out in person?

Join me in a Beginning Taiko Class in Washington DC!

Wednesdays 6:45-8:45pm
8 Weeks, 2/10-4/1
To register, contact 202-547-6839 or visit http://www.chaw.org/

Kato Taiko!!

Taiko Drill Part 60, 2 Against 3 Pre-Lesson

Hi! I had dreams of new taiko arriving in the mail last night:) The holidays are coming a bit early for me--my 2 new nagado are going to arrive next week! I ordered from friend, Yuta Kato's, father who makes taiko in California. My drums are going straight to Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW), their temporary home for the rest of my time in Washington DC. Visit the CHAW website for information on my spring classes where you'll get to hit my new drums!

Okay, focusing up. (Did I mention I'm excited?!)

Focus: Timing, Counting
Watch For:
1. If you feel like you're consistently starting the phrase on the downbeat, then start to listen to the space in between your hits. Is the space equal? Try to understand your tendencies (left hand too late or too early?) and make adjustments.
2. Your metronome is your best friend.

Last week's drill focused on 2s and 3s, either alternating or using one bachi at a time. Today's drill gives you an idea for how to practice the same pattern while incorporating roll practice, alternating your start hand.

Line 1: RLRLRLRL (doubles) RLRLRLRLRLRL (triples) (2X)

Line 2: RLRLRL (doubles) RLRLRLRLR (triples)
LRLRLR (doubles) LRLRLRLRL (triples) (2X)

Line 3: RL (double) RLR (triple) LR (double) LRL (triple) (4X)

Here's the vid. Have fun!



Extension:
Let's try this together. Try playing the whole pattern backwards (Line 3 4X, Line 2 2X, Line 1 2X). Got that? Okay, now re-play the video above and try to play this backwards pattern on top of the original! Enjoy!

Gambarimasu yo!

Taiko Classes in Washington, DC

Are you in the Washington, DC area and interested in learning how to play taiko? Starting February 2010, you can do just that!

I will be teaching a beginner's class at the Capitol Hill Arts Worskhop:

Beginning Taiko (course #: S1AW5) :
The Art of Ancient Japanese Drumming
Wednesdays 6:45-8:45 pm
8 weeks, 2/10-4/1

2 blocks from Eastern Market Metro stop!

Registration begins November 30! Call 202-547-6839 for more information and to register. You can access the full course catalogue for the Adult Spring Classes here.

I hope to see you there!