Japanese Culture

The taiko presentation was really cool. Before the class, all I had ever seen of taiko was at the Eisa festival when teenagers walked around carrying drums and making my ears hurt. I didn't realize the art was such a patient one, taking almost 300 years just to make a single drum. I have much more respect for those noisy teenagers practicing in the streets next to my house now. Is taiko something that is passed down through families or is it like music in the States, where a child just starts learning it because they want to?
 

I think the process of making the different taiko drums is very interesting and cool. Also watching the video with the drummers that played on the floor, their muscles were nice and that takes quite the skill to perform. I'd have to have some kind harness to sit and play like that. It also has its sense of grace. Your demonstration (and the video) of the flowing movements while playing the drum was cool and fun to watch.
 

I'm so happy to see all the interest in Taiko. You have lots of good questions. And I'll be happy to answer any of them!

If you can, come try taiko at a Kuroshio Taiko practice, in Charlotte.

Jason
 

Arigatou, Jason!
Jason is the sensei of the Taiko team in Charlotte. My Winthrop class has quite many people who want to try out! Post any Taiko news here for us.