You have an opportunity to join in on one of five exciting and informative discussion sessions!
Please keep checking back for updates!
1. TAIKO ETIQUETTE
Moderator: Bryan Yamami (TAIKOPROJECT)
Panel: Coming Soon
In the taiko community, we often encounter an extensive and diverse array of rules, regulations, and etiquette that is sometimes said, but more often unsaid. Each taiko group has its own way of conducting business and keeping its group dynamics in check. Not only that, but some taiko songs, drills, and styles are shared, and some are distinctive to the group or composer that created them. Should you use them freely? Use them but credit the creator? Not use them at all? And then there’s the management of relationships between taiko groups. Here you thought you were just going to be banging on a drum, but now learn about how to deal with the other aspects of taiko etiquette. In this session, we will engage in a frank and informative discussion about what might be “the right way” to do things…even though that’s typically different for everyone!
2. KASA (Kodo Arts Sphere America) - IN SUPPORT OF GROWTH OF TAIKO IN AMERICA
Moderator: Alan Okada (KASA)
Panel: Donna Ebata (KASA), Kevin Higa (KASA), Kaoru Watanabe, Crissy Sato
Kodo, the internationally known Japanese taiko group, has performed in the world’s greatest venues but on Sado Island they have created a unique community, centered around the taiko, that celebrates Japanese culture and the evolution of traditional performing arts. For more than 30 years, Kodo and its members have been close friends of the North American taiko community, first through direct sharing with taiko groups, and for the last 8 years through the programs of Kodo Arts Sphere America (KASA). KASA workshops have brought Kodo performing members to taiko groups across North America and brought traditional taiko groups from Japan to the North American Taiko Conference. And, the KASA-MIX tours have provided taiko players with the extraordinary opportunity to study with Kodo on Sado Island.
Join us for an interactive discussion about Kodo’s contribution to the growth of taiko in North America. See images of Sado and hear insights into life with Kodo from former Kodo player and artistic director Kaoru Watanabe and former Kodo apprentice Crissy Sato.
Find out how you can participate in KASA’s activities in North America and Japan!
3. CURLY NOODLE
Moderators: Dane Fujimoto (Portland Taiko) & Kristy Oshiro (Sacramento Taiko Dan)
This is the 5th series of Curly Noodle to be offered at the NATC! The Curly Noodle is a forum for all LGBTQQ taiko players to have a place to come together to discuss challenges, concerns, triumphs, and also come to learn a song composed for Curly Noodle (composed by Kristy Oshiro). The goal of Curly Noodle is to create a safe environment for LGBTQQ taiko players to build unity within our taiko community.
Anyone who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and or questioning is welcome to come and be a part of this Curly Noodle session.
4. COSTUMES: TAIKO CLOTHING FOR PERFORMANCE
Moderator: PJ Hirabayashi (San Jose Taiko)
Panel: Chizuko Endo (Taiko Center of the Pacific), Michelle Fujii (Portland Taiko)
Taiko Clothing for Performance: This session will cover various styles of traditional and contemporary designs of taiko clothing…how to decide on functionality and look for your group; how to correctly wear and care for taiko clothing and accessories; various ways to tie obi, and hachimaki
5. STUDYING AND PERFORMING TAIKO IN JAPAN
Moderator: Kenny Endo
Panel: Coming Soon
The roots of taiko are found in its mother country- Japan. What is it like and how important is it to study and perform there? Is there a difference between kumi daiko in Japan and outside of Japan? Are there advantages and benefits to learning the established traditional forms? How does one connect with groups and teachers in Japan? Come listen to a panel of taiko players who have lived in Japan, studied in Japan, and performed with groups in Japan. If you are thinking of going to Japan, have experience in Japan, or possibly have a desire to connect yourself to taiko in Japan, please come to this informal session..