Workshop #11
Fue 101 - Fun with Fue Fundamentals
Lance B. Acker
Saturday, Aug. 8 @ 9:00 AM
WARNING - this workshop is for the beginning fue player! We will start from ground zero and work towards the production of a clear tone; if you can already do that - we will try to get you to create an advanced tone. From there, we will work on basic technique-nothing fancy (for that please see some of the great fue masters - we can give you names and contacts!). Our hope is that you will no longer be frustrated by the inability to produce a tone on your fue, and that you will be confident enough to stand up and play at your next event. Everyone please bring your fue (hopefully a #8).
Workshop #14
GrooveLabs: A Fun Approach to Rhythmic Development and Timing
Franco Imperial
Saturday, Aug. 8 @ 9:00 AM
Enjoy playing RockBand or GuitarHero? “GrooveLabs” will show you how to internalize seemingly complicated patterns. Participants will be exposed to various genres of music and learn techniques and drills to expand rhythmic repertoire and heighten listening skills to make group practices FUN.
Workshop #17
How to Play Together
Masato Baba
Saturday, Aug. 8 @ 9:00 AM
We often work a lot on our own with a metronome, but what really matters is when you play in your group. Everyone has their own tendencies to rush, stay on beat, or fall back, but there is no right or wrong when you are playing together. This workshop will focus on different techniques on how to stick together without falling apart from each other. Find, recognize, and know your and other’s tendencies to be able to lock into staying together.
Workshop #19
Improvisation - Spontaneous Creativity and Taiko Basics
Russell Baba and Jeanne Mercer
Saturday, Aug. 8 @ 9:00 AM
Learn to develop group and individual skills to build overall awareness, insight, sensitivity, strength, and confidence through basic exercises and practice with improvisation. The workshop will utilize various taiko, percussion, other music instruments, and body movement.
Workshop #30
Master Class II
Seiichi Tanaka
Saturday, Aug. 8 @ 9:00 AM
5+ years
Tanaka-sensei leads a special session specifically geared for more experienced taiko players in advanced techniques of taiko fundamentals.
Workshop #32
Naname Nagado Playing
Marco Lienhard
Saturday, Aug. 8 @ 9:00 AM
This workshop will focus on playing the taiko in naname style/slant drums: how to hit the drum correctly with your left and right to get a strong sound and with a great posture.
This will be done through an original song that will slowly build up an understanding of the basics to more advanced playing, with twirling sticks and feeling comfortable with posture and ability to improvise.
Workshop #33
Nanchu Soran Bushi
Toru Watanabe
Saturday, Aug. 8 @ 9:00 AM
Started by middle school students in Hokkaido, Nanchu Soran Bushi is a dance that has gained recent popularity throughout Japan as well as internationally. It is based upon Japanese folk dance movements, has a very quick tempo, and is quite physical. This dance is very invigorating and builds lots of team spirit.
Workshop #35
Odaiko Kihon
Kenny Endo
Saturday, Aug. 8 @ 9:00 AM
Basics for performing on the ‘big drum’ will include stance, grip, hitting techniques, training tips, maximizing sounds, and relaxing. Traditional Kabuki patterns on the odaiko will also be introduced. A practice odaiko piece will be taught, focusing on fundamentals, simple improvisation, base beat patterns, and becoming more comfortable and dynamic at performing on the odaiko.
Workshop #47
Yoko Uchi Fundamentals
Kaoru Watanabe
Saturday, Aug. 8 @ 9:00 AM
Based on his experience in intensive study and performance with Kodo, including as a soloist in their signature piece Miyake, Kaoru will breakdown yoko uchi (sideways stance playing) in a way that allows the taiko player to better utilize the natural tensions and power inherent in the body through a better understanding of often cited but elusive concepts of relaxation, finding “the center,” and lower body strength, flexibility, and being more grounded. Reexamine the function and movement of each body part, the hand, the wrist, the elbow, the shoulder, and most importantly the back, hips and legs, in a clear and concise way.
Workshop #48
Youth Flute Workshop
George Abe
Saturday, Aug. 8 @ 9:00 AM
Learn about flutes from all over the world, especially the bamboo flutes of Japan and China. In the workshop you will assemble a five note (pentatonic) panpipe, learn how to play it and learn to make up your own songs.
Workshop #49
30 Days to Better Shime
Kris Bergstrom
Saturday, Aug. 8 @ 9:00 AM
This one-of-a-kind workshop is an in-depth exploration of shime-daiko basics, followed by 30 days of guided practice. Workshop participants learn how to hold the batchi, the basic strike, and practical drills for improving speed and control. From there, individuals can take on the full 30 Days to Better Shime program, a free, month-long guided series of daily exercises already enjoyed by hundreds of taiko players around the world!
Workshop #52
All-Around Musicianship
Eien Hunter-Ishikawa
Saturday, Aug. 8 @ 9:00 AM
This workshop is geared toward players of drums, whether it is taiko, drumset, conga, or any other membranophone, as well as percussion. Topics include pulse and subdivision, time and groove, reading and notation, ear training, the importance of the voice, improvisation, and dynamic control. All levels are welcomed in this hands-on approach to developing an all-around musicianship in order to help meet each player’s goals and interests.
Workshop #53
An Introduction to Itsuka
Michelle Fuji
Saturday, Aug. 8 @ 9:00 AM
This workshop presents a short arrangement of the movement-oriented piece, Itsuka. Inspired by the movements in the Japanese folk dance, Jongkara Bushi, from Aomori prefecture, participants will learn how folk traditions can provide the foundation for contemporary taiko work. Everyone will learn a basic dance that will become the basis for learning space, timing of body, intention and focus on the drum.
Workshop #54
Basics to Composition, Working as a Group
Roy Hirabayashi
Saturday, Aug. 8 @ 9:00 AM
The basic concepts of the dos and don’ts of composing are covered in this workshop format. The concept of writing as a group is the core of the workshop presentation. A descriptive process with volunteers from the workshop to participate in various activities to help demonstrate the key points. No prior composing experience is necessary.
Workshop #56
Drills & Thrills
Tiffany Tamaribuchi
Saturday, Aug. 8 @ 9:00 AM
Apply basic techniques to improve overall technique, timing, spirit and group cohesiveness. Learn how to target trouble spots and create drills to improve the pieces your group plays.
Workshop #57
Ei Ja Nai Ka
PJ Hirabayashi
Saturday, Aug. 8 @ 9:00 AM
San Jose Taiko (SJT) shares their song “Ei Ja Nai Ka” (EJNK) to convey their philosophy of playing taiko, emphasizing movement, dance, drumming, fluidity, joy, and group energy. A sequence of exhilarating activities is taught to prepare the participant to embody rhythms in movement and taiko for this popular North American taiko folk dance. Be ready to join the impromptu jam/dance that spontaneously erupts during the conference! SJT offers EJNK as public domain material and welcomes groups to play this song in the spirit of unifying people to play and dance with open heart and abandonment. All levels of experience are welcome. Bring bachi.
Workshop #59
Remembering Mindfulness of Taiko, bachi, body, and spirit
Shohei Takatani
Saturday, Aug. 8 @ 9:00 AM
As we become more deeply engaged in the technicalities of playing taiko, we tend to forget the subtle but important considerations which help in making it possible for us to play taiko for as long as our hearts desire.
Sometimes remembering just takes seeing, sometimes it just takes hearing, but for many, the best way is to experience it.
Objectives:
-To learn/relearn basic care of bachi, simple techniques to increase longevity.
-To learn/relearn basic care of taiko, simple techniques to increase longevity and improve sound quality.
-To learn/relearn self care techniques for building and maintaining a healthy injury free body.
-To learn/relearn self care techniques for building and maintaining a strong and healthy spirit.
Workshop #60
Games for Taiko
Yuta Kato
Saturday, Aug. 8 @ 9:00 AM
In learning something that needs dedication, it is best when the process is fun. Some people are great at finding ways to inspire themselves and staying focused. But for others, and especially kids, without a specific goal (such as concerts and events), often times it is hard to keep a high level of passion.
As practitioners of Taiko, there is usually a point where we must start passing down the knowledge that we have obtained. Even if it simple as leading stretches, drills, and teaching kuchi-shoga. How great would it be, if such process can be enjoyable for the one receiving…
Working off of few examples, we will discuss upon, work on, create, and enjoy the process of making Taiko drills fun for others.