TaikoMIND highlights "mindful learning" as participants play taiko - Japanese ensemble drumming.
Activities, games, and self-reflection support the learning process in playful, interactive, and meaningful ways. Connections to real-world applications are emphasized.
Taiko drumming is irresistible fun - and easy to learn. It is a perfect venue for learning about culture, music, performance art, team building, and mindfulness. Playing drums in a team requires focused attention, cooperation and self-discipline - key elements of the art form and essential life skills. Every person’s part matters to the whole group’s success.
Mindfulness skills are important to learn for personal and social development. Five themes are emphasized in TaikoMIND classes as participants learn to play taiko drums: Calming, Noticing, Focusing, Adapting and Connecting
Individual workshops or multi-week programs that combine mindfulness themes with taiko, performance art, and Japanese arts are available.
Mindful Learning & Team-Building
Discover how mindfulness can be applied to learning while playing taiko drums. Being aware of one’s experience as a student, musician, and team player enhances the learning, the fun, and the rewards.
~Hands-on~
~Engaged learning~
~Teamwork~
Fun for ALL AGES
Classrooms, teams, clubs, camps, parties, co-workers, staff
No experience necessary
Programs customized for School, Office, Team, or Family groups
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
February 19, 2023 (1-2:30 pm)
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TaikoMIND for all ages!
More about Taiko
Taiko - Japanese Ensemble Drumming
Odaiko Sonora is Tucson, Arizona's taiko group. They describe taiko in the following way:
Taiko is the artistic, powerful, and physically demanding discipline of ensemble drumming.
Taiko first began in ancient Japan as a form of communication. It was also used on the battlefield to coordinate troops and intimidate the enemy. The Japanese also used, and still use taiko in Kabuki theatre to accompany singers and actors.
The word “taiko” refers both to the drums themselves and to the art form. Traditional Japanese taiko range in size from one foot to six feet in diameter and are made of hollowed out tree trunks. In the United States, taiko are more commonly made from wine barrels. Taiko skins are leather and are held in place with byou, or nails. There are many types of taiko drums and styles that are used in performances including: chu daiko, shime, okedo and odaiko...naname, yatai, yodan, myoke, hachijo and uchiwa.
Taiko performances also typically include additional percussion instruments like the chappa, mokugyo, kane, and hyotan. The fue and shinobue are flutes that accompany many songs.
taiko in action
Odaiko Sonora performs "Asobi"(Play!) at the 2019 Phoenix Matsuri
San Jose Taiko plays "Spirit of Adventure"
KODO is popular world-wide for their performances. They live and train on Sado Island in Japan.
Shidara is a Japanese group that performs throughout the world. They are known for their precision and high-spirited performances.
Drum Tao - Energetic, athletic, powerful professional Japanese performance group.
Yamato - The Drummers of Japan
Professional taiko group
Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival - student group performance
Taiko Arcade game - Wow!