NATC-R Seattle: Full Schedule

9:00am PDT

Rehersal Time and Set-Up

For performing groups, we will have rehearsal time in this block. Please coordinate with your set leader.

Friday August 16, 2024 9:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Ballroom 6A

12:00pm PDT

Open Market

Doors open to conference participants and community at 12:00. Check out the marketplace and hang out with friends!

Friday August 16, 2024 12:00pm - 3:30pm PDT
Ballroom 6A

3:30pm PDT

Plenary Session

The plenary session will feature a welcome ceremony and speakers. More information to come!

Friday August 16, 2024 3:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Ballroom 6A

Discussion

6:30pm PDT

TaikoGO! Concert

Concert featuring local and visiting taiko groups!

Friday August 16, 2024 6:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Ballroom 6A

Concert

8:30am PDT

Bon Daiko: Hokkai Bon Uta

Participants can expect to come out of this workshop with an understanding of how to perform Hokkai Bon Uta on the chudaiko, how to dance to the song, and a basic knowledge of the song’s background.

The workshop will be divided into three segments. In the first segment, we will cover the song’s historical and geographic origin, the lyrics, and the structure. In the second segment, we will learn an arrangement for the chudaiko. And in the third segment, we are excited to learn the dance from Tyler Moriguchi.

I have been playing Bon Odori music since I was 7 or 8. It’s music that is very personal to me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share this music together. Looking forward to seeing you soon! - Isaku

Prerequisites: None
Please Bring: Chudaiko Bachi

Hokkai Bon Uta https://youtu.be/sgdvMrgI49g?si=PQMDLZ-2fqAg-UIH

Artists

Isaku Kageyama

Isaku Kageyama is one of the most recorded taiko artists, combining decades of training in Japan with modern music production techniques to produce work that is authentic and creative. His unique skillset as a performer, producer, and engineer has made Isaku a first-call collaborator... Read More →

Tyler Moriguchi

Tyler Moriguchi is a Seattle native who has been an instructor for Bon Odori at the Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple since 2004. He started playing taiko during his high school years as a member of Seattle Matsuri Taiko. After completing college, he toured Japan for approximately 18... Read More →

Saturday August 17, 2024 8:30am - 10:30am PDT
606

Workshop, Bon

8:30am PDT

Bon Taiko Music! (Shime & Kane)

Participants will learn three pieces of Bon Taiko repertoire: Hokkai Bon Uta, Sohma Bon Uta, and Tanko Bushi. In addition to learning the music and style of each piece, we will briefly discuss the history and context of each of the selections. This workshop will also touch on the nuances of ensemble music and supporting the singers and dancers in a Bon Taiko-style setting. Our goal will be to go beyond playing the notes and to focus on listening to the musical atmosphere that we can build as a cohesive ensemble.

Prerequisites: None
Please Bring: Shime Bachi, Kane&Shumoku (if desired)

Tanko Bushi https://youtu.be/cmchZWxSdk8?si=yoWz0ASjrxvdb46s
Souma Bon Uta https://youtu.be/yq4EyINaTLQ?si=JF68-n7jsJv2RK1r
Hokkai Bon Uta https://youtu.be/sgdvMrgI49g?si=PQMDLZ-2fqAg-UIH

Artists

David Wells

David began his musical journey as a clarinet player under the guidance of his father, a professional jazz musician. In 2003, he discovered Stanford Taiko, performing internationally with the group and eventually serving as Artistic co-Director. Since then, David has trained extensively... Read More →

Saturday August 17, 2024 8:30am - 10:30am PDT
603

Workshop, Bon

8:30am PDT

Communication and Playfulness in Taiko: Youth Workshop

Communication & Playfulness in Taiko: Youth Workshop

Taiko is a performing art. Based on that Shinobu believes the playfulness is an essential part of Taiko. The playfulness can be translated to " Asobi no kokoro " in Japanese. In this workshop you will be introduced to a couple of drills to explore your own way of expressing playfulness in Taiko with other participants to inspire or to be inspired.

Please bring bachi.

Artists

Shinobu Homma

Saturday August 17, 2024 8:30am - 10:30am PDT
617

Workshop, Youth Focused

8:30am PDT

Foundation ~ Sound, Movement and Ensemble ~

Foundations are the most important and most difficult aspect of learning Taiko drumming. This will take a longtime to perfect however there are many key points. In this workshop we will learn the most important fundamentals, focusing on the three core elements of sound, movement and ensemble.

It all begins with knowing the good sound, before we can produce the good sound only then can you produce the good sound on a high-quality drum. The compelling power of Taiko comes from both the body’s physicality and the expression of emotion while playing the instrument.

Together we will learn traditional Japanese movements of cultural ceremonies and folk art/music and integrate these elements with our contemporary ideas. Through the love of and practice of Taiko we can increase awareness and understanding of Japan and its people, Nikkei (of Japanese ancestry), and Asian culture as a whole.

Prerequisites: Relax your body and mind
Please Bring: Chudaiko Bachi

Artists

Ringtaro Tateishi

RINGTARO TATEISHIArtistic Director of “CHIKIRI”Principal of “The School of TAIKO”Co-founder of “Japan Creative Arts”Ringtaro Tateishi is a former member of “ONDEKOZA” and the co-founder of “The School of TAIKO”, a Taiko school in Seattle. He started a new professional... Read More →

Saturday August 17, 2024 8:30am - 10:30am PDT
610

Workshop

8:30am PDT

Katsugi Okedo Basics

This workshop will focus on Katsugi Okedo Basics and establish the foundation for expressing yourself with the Okedo. Katsugi Okedo can feel difficult to learn at the beginning since it involves more than just standing with a taiko. There isn’t a single universal form since comfortability with Katsugi Okedo will be determined by each person’s own comfortability with their own mind and body. It is important to be curious about learning how your body moves and how to use it naturally. Once you discover what is natural for you, then you have your basics which will help expand the realm of possibilities for your Okedo expression. The purpose of this workshop is to explore this unique connection with the Okedo and establish effective Okedo fundamentals through body awareness. We will also utilize drills and concepts to practice how to use your whole body to strike and generate a groove.

Prerequisites: None
Please Bring: Katsugi Bachi (kaDON has my recommendation size, 36.5cm / 18mm made with Hou/Magnolia)

Artists

Eri Uchida

Eri Uchida is a taiko performer and instructor based in Fujieda Japan with over 15 years of professional experience. In 2009 Eri joined the world renowned taiko group KODO and spent 10 years touring and performing around the world. As a senior member of the group she directed the... Read More →

Saturday August 17, 2024 8:30am - 10:30am PDT
608

Workshop, Katsugi

8:30am PDT

Omiyage Masterclass

This workshop focuses on refining the core movement and rhythmic concepts of the piece ‘Omiyage’, one of the taiko world’s most popular compositions. Participants will deepen their understanding of how to execute Omiyage movement correctly and be taught drills and techniques that will improve their ability to play and teach the piece. We will also dive into the rhythmic and musical elements of the piece and learn new ways to teach the lines that will set the foundation for playing the chudaiko parts accurately. By the end of the workshop participants will have a deeper understanding of the piece and feel more confident in performing and teaching Omiyage. Participants will also have an opportunity to perform Omiyage with players from throughout the taiko community at the kaDON 10th Anniversary Performance at NATC-R Seattle.

Prerequisites: Participants must know the piece Omiyage and be confident enough to play through either the chudaiko or the shime/okedo part.
Please Bring: Bachi

Artists

Shoji Kameda

Shoji is a Grammy nominated musician, composer and producer. He started playing taiko at the age of 8 and has played continuously since. He was selected through a highly competitive process as an Asian Pacific Performance Exchange fellow, collaborating with master artists from the... Read More →

Saturday August 17, 2024 8:30am - 10:30am PDT
Ballroom 6A

Workshop, Performance Opportunity

8:30am PDT

Shamisen for OBON Classics

Participants can expect to come out of this workshop with an understanding of how to perform Tanko Bushi and/or Hokkai Bon Uta and/or Soma Bon Uta on the shamisen.

The workshop will be divided into two segments. In the first segment, we will cover how to hold and hit shamisen. In the second segment, we will learn an arrangement for the shamisen. There will be two shamisen parts - one for beginner and the other for intermediate - so that participants can make a choice depending on the performance levels.

Prerequisites: Please listen to our three focus songs with the following links.
Music score and lyrics will be available for participants.
Tanko Bushi https://youtu.be/cmchZWxSdk8?si=yoWz0ASjrxvdb46s
Souma Bon Uta https://youtu.be/yq4EyINaTLQ?si=JF68-n7jsJv2RK1r
Hokkai Bon Uta https://youtu.be/sgdvMrgI49g?si=PQMDLZ-2fqAg-UIH

Please bring: Shamisen (if you have one - some will be available to use).
This includes the shamisen, bachi, koma, and yubikake. It is also good to have hizagomu and fujaku.

It is highly recommended that participants in this workshop also take Sumie's Sunday Intensive.

Artists

Sumie Kaneko

Sumie Kaneko is a New York based Japanese koto and shamisen player, and a vocal artist. She is renowned for her ability to collaborate with a diverse array of visionary international artists: Pulitzer Winner Paula Vogel, composer Evan Ziporyn, taiko artist Kenny Endo, Kaoru Watanabe... Read More →

Saturday August 17, 2024 8:30am - 10:30am PDT
Sumie's Room (TBA)

Workshop, Bon, Shamisen

8:30am PDT

Small Drum Technique

This workshop will focus on playing smaller taiko with smaller bachi. Improving small drum technique will strengthen your technique for percussion and larger drums. We will cover topics such as stick selection, grip, rebound, dynamics, ji uchi (accompaniment), and tempo control. Ideas for practicing at home will be provided along with exercises to help play together in a group. Please bring a pair of shimedaiko bachi.

Prerequisites: None
Please Bring: Shimedaiko Bachi

Artists

Eien Hunter-Ishikawa

Eien Hunter-Ishikawa is a musician, educator, and composer specializing in taiko, shinobue, percussion, and shishimai. Recognized for his musicianship and versatility, he integrates his training in jazz, Western percussion, and traditional Japanese music to create an original, distinctive... Read More →

Saturday August 17, 2024 8:30am - 10:30am PDT
602

Workshop

8:30am PDT

Soloing for People Who Hate Soloing

(Full description to come.)

Artists

Tiffany Tamaribuchi

Artistic Director, Portland Taiko/Taiko Ventures

Tiffany Tamaribuchi is a trailblazer and world renowned, loved and respected teacher and performer. Widely recognized as one of the best instructors in the field, she has taught hundreds of workshops worldwide, including national, regional, and collegiate gatherings. She has spent... Read More →

Saturday August 17, 2024 8:30am - 10:30am PDT
618

Workshop

8:30am PDT

Uchiwa Movement

As an instrument, uchiwa daiko (fan drums) offer the versatility and mobility to coordinate complex movement with sound. This workshop will teach uchiwa movement drills that will lead into learning lively choreography from Unit Souzou’s compositions to illustrate the expansive opportunity this instrument can provide.

Prerequisites: None
Please bring: If participants have uchiwa and uchiwa bachi, please bring!

Artists

Michelle Fujii

Unit Souzou

Unit Souzou Co-Directors, Michelle Fujii and Toru Watanabe, build creative, imaginative works while honoring the history and roots of the taiko art form. They met at Warabi-za, Japan’s foremost traditional folk dance troupe located in Northern Japan. Michelle was awarded the Bunka-cho... Read More →

Toru Watanabe

Unit Souzou

Saturday August 17, 2024 8:30am - 10:30am PDT
614

Workshop, Movement

8:30am PDT

The Magic of Groove

All phrases are born from repeated strikes. By adding dynamics and spaces to the strikes, they develop into phrases. Repetition is the soil from which all phrases are born, it should be soft, full of air, and able to take any form, like well-cultivated fertile soil. That is the secret of groove.

The first half of this workshop Kaoly will focus on how to perceive and use the body. Participants will learn to be aware of their breathing, and how to be one with the flow of movement required to play with a strong pulse. In the second half, Kaoly will guide participants in a process to immerse themselves in the sound and resonance of the groove they create together.

“We will share the same breath, the same heartbeat and learn to let go of artifice and judgment and enjoy how the sound naturally begins to pulse with life. This is the essence of what makes playing the taiko so enjoyable. It's a sensation you can carry with you when you return to your place and continue to play.” - Kaoly

Prerequisites: None
Please Bring: Bachi

Artists

Kaoly Asano

The first time Kaoly Asano saw taiko drumming, she felt a familiar sensation as if she was finally “home.” As the founder and lead drummer for GOCOO and its taiko school TAWOO Taiko Dojo, Kaoly has pioneered a free spirited approach that blends both tradition and innovation and... Read More →

Saturday August 17, 2024 8:30am - 1:00pm PDT
611

Long Workshop

8:30am PDT

BachiCamp

At BachiCamp, Taiko, Shamisen and Fue players alike have the opportunity to jump into learning Tacoma Bayashi - a fun ensemble piece written by your fearless workshop leaders - on all three instruments!! If you're a taiko player who's never touched a shamisen before? No problem! We will start from the shamisen basics, and have technique refinement support for those who have prior experience. There's something to learn for everyone!

To provide a lasting learning experience, we divide the day into separate blocks that focus on a different instrument in the song. Together, we build the skills to enjoy the art of ensemble playing with fue, taiko and shamisen!

Song notation for all instruments is available for workshop participants to take and play with their own groups.

Prerequisites:

Fue: Ability to sound the higher octaves (for those who want to join the fue block)
Taiko: Beginner to intermediate level. (Two-drum set experience recommended)
Shamisen: None

Please Bring:

#6 Fue for those who want to join the fue block. If you have fue experience but don't have a #6 fue, please contact Kyle (kyle@bachido.com) and he'll bring you an extra fue to use!
Bachi (Chu and Shime bachi)
If you have your own shamisen, you can bring it!

Artists

Joel Mankey

Joel Reed Mankey: Joel is a musician, engineer, composer and multi-instrumentalist from Thousand Oaks, CA with a Bachelor’s in Music Composition from CSU Northridge, where he graduated in 2007 with a Major in Music Composition for Film and Television with a Minor in Japanese Language.Joel... Read More →

Kyle Abbott

Kyle Abbott: As an artist, builder, and teacher of shamisen, Kyle embodies the spirit of the instrument with an international twist. Kyle's journey into the world of shamisen began over 20 years ago, and his passion led him to found Bachido, an online community dedicated to preserving... Read More →

Saturday August 17, 2024 8:30am - 5:30pm PDT
620

Intensive, Shinobue, Shamisen

11:00am PDT

7 essential sounds for Chappa

For your more freedom musical express, “Chappa” will be became the best partner for you. It will make you to moving around on stage and adding some of another color for your team numbers. Contrary of seems, it is very difficult to handle for making good sound.

A famous Chappa player can control different over 200 sounds. Ringtaro introduces the most essential 7 sounds in this workshop. After workshop, you may create your original sound illimitably with your sensibility!

Prerequisites: None
Please Bring: please bring your Chappa if you have it

Artists

Ringtaro Tateishi

Saturday August 17, 2024 11:00am - 1:00pm PDT
602

Workshop, Chappa

11:00am PDT

Bon Daiko: Sohma Bon Uta

Participants can expect to come out of this workshop with an understanding of how to perform Sohma Bon Uta on the chudaiko, how to dance to the song, and a basic knowledge of the song’s background.

The workshop will be divided into three segments. In the first segment, we will cover the song’s historical and geographic origin, the lyrics, and the structure. In the second segment, we will learn an arrangement for the chudaiko. And in the third segment, we are excited to learn the dance from Tyler Moriguchi.

I have been playing Bon Odori music since I was 7 or 8. It’s music that is very personal to me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share this music together. Looking forward to seeing you soon! -Isaku

Prerequisites: None
Please Bring: Bachi

Souma Bon Uta https://youtu.be/yq4EyINaTLQ?si=JF68-n7jsJv2RK1r

Artists

Isaku Kageyama

Tyler Moriguchi

Saturday August 17, 2024 11:00am - 1:00pm PDT
606

Workshop, Bon

11:00am PDT

Bon Taiko Music! (Shime & Kane)

Artists

David Wells

Saturday August 17, 2024 11:00am - 1:00pm PDT
603

Workshop, Bon

11:00am PDT

Drill Roulette

Over the past several years, Elias has come out with many fun, but rigorous, skill-building drills. Instead of an 8-week skill building course, come play DRILL ROULETTE! Every session of Drill Roulette will be a little different. You never know what drill you’re going to practice until you SPIN-THE-WHEEL. Practice form, timing, call & response, listening techniques, and MORE. Everyone who attends Drill Roulette is welcome to take the drills practiced at the workshop and bring them back to their group! On top of the drills we play in during the workshop, we will go over how to create your own drills and how to tailor them to address specific aspects of Taiko. COME SPIN THE WHEEL AT DRILL ROULETTE

Artists

Elias Chanteloup

Elias Chanteloup started playing Taiko at the age of 9. He first saw Taiko being performed at the San Mateo Buddhist Temple and started playing with San Francisco Taiko Dojo shortly after. He studied under Grandmaster Seiichi Tanaka for 10 years until he went off to college in Seattle... Read More →

Saturday August 17, 2024 11:00am - 1:00pm PDT
Ballroom 6A

Workshop

11:00am PDT

Injury Prevention

(Full description to come)

Artists

Tiffany Tamaribuchi

Artistic Director, Portland Taiko/Taiko Ventures

Saturday August 17, 2024 11:00am - 1:00pm PDT
617

Workshop

11:00am PDT

Katsugi Okedo: Finding your own Groove

What kind of Katsugi Okedo performance will capture the heart of the audience? Even though you can move freely, simply moving around and banging out rhythms is not enough to bring out both the taiko’s and your full potential. What Katsugi Okedo really requires is a deeper understanding of the physical oneness between yourself and the taiko. Rather than just playing complicated rhythms, even simple rhythms will naturally catch the eye of the audience when the performer becomes one with the taiko and embodies the rhythm together.

Katsugi Okedo evolves when a person becomes aware of themselves, the taiko, and how they move with the taiko as one to create a full sound, even with the lightest of bachi. When you understand how to play Katsugi Okedo using your whole body, you will find your natural groove and discover a richness in tone that is uniquely your own. Let’s Eri-vate Katsugi Okedo together!

Prerequisites: Some familiarity with Katsugi Okedo
Please Bring: Katsugi Bachi (kaDON has my recommendation size, 36.5cm / 18mm made with Hou/Magnolia)

Artists

Eri Uchida

Saturday August 17, 2024 11:00am - 1:00pm PDT
608

Workshop, Katsugi

11:00am PDT

KOSHI

Koshi translates as “hips” in Japanese, but it is more than just the side of your body. It is the key to understanding your power to play taiko. This workshop, taught with multiple perspectives, will focus on movement drills and exercises to physically deepen your understanding of koshi, and in turn make you a strong taiko player.

Prerequisites: None
Please Bring: Chudaiko Bachi

Artists

Michelle Fujii

Unit Souzou

Toru Watanabe

Unit Souzou

Saturday August 17, 2024 11:00am - 1:00pm PDT
618

Workshop

11:00am PDT

Leveling up your Shinobue Playing

Level up your shinobue playing! This workshop will address several common errors in shinobue playing which can cause limitations towards progressing on the instrument. This includes things like having a "breathy" sound quality, having issues hitting the high register, playing in tune with others, and finger accuracy. We'll also dive into learning a modular length song which can be used as "transitional" music for performances that you can bring back to your groups. Finally, we'll explore "extended" techniques that can add to your fue vocabulary on the types of sounds that are possible on the instrument.

Prerequisites: This class is best for players with a basic understanding of how to play the shinobue, but want to dive in deeper. This is not a class for players who have never tried the shinobue before, or are unable to produce a sound on the instrument. A foundational knowledge of the fingerings for the first octave is required.

Please Bring: Please bring your own shinobue to the class. (If possible, bring either a 6, 7, or 8)

Artists

Leanna Keith

A freelance flutist, artist, improviser, and composer in the Seattle area, Leanna Keith (she/they) delights in creating sound experiences that make audiences laugh, cry, and say: “I didn’t know the flute could do that!” Their works focus on timbre-shifting, the mixed-race experience... Read More →

Saturday August 17, 2024 11:00am - 1:00pm PDT
614

Workshop, Shinobue

11:00am PDT

Playing as an Ensemble with Ready Set kaDON!

This workshop series focuses on deepening our listening abilities and ability to play in an ensemble through practicing the piece ‘Ready Set kaDON’. Developing listening skills is absolutely critical to ensemble playing but often not focused on in the rush to learn repertoire. It’s also difficult to develop drills and techniques around. In this workshop we dive right into a step by step process that starts with re-examining how we use kuchishoka to learn and internalize patterns. By the end of this workshop participants will have new tools to practice their listening skills and be ready to perform ‘Ready Set kaDON’ for the special 10th Year Anniversary Performance at NATC-R Seattle.

Prerequisites: Participants must know one of the parts of Ready Set kaDON and be able to play through the piece before attending the workshop.

Please Bring: Bachi

Artists

Shoji Kameda

Saturday August 17, 2024 11:00am - 1:00pm PDT
610

Workshop, Performance Opportunity

11:00am PDT

Vocal for OBON Classics

Participants can expect to come out of this workshop with an understanding of how to sing Tanko Bushi and/or Hokkai Bon Uta and/or Soma Bon Uta on vocals.

The workshop will be divided into two segments. In the first segment, we will cover how to warm up your vocal cords. In the second segment, we will learn an arrangement for vocals. There will be two vocal parts - one for beginner and one for intermediate - so that participants can make a choice depending on the performance levels.

Prerequisites: Please listen to our three focus songs with the following links.
Music score and lyrics will be available for participants.
Tanko Bushi https://youtu.be/cmchZWxSdk8?si=yoWz0ASjrxvdb46s
Souma Bon Uta https://youtu.be/yq4EyINaTLQ?si=JF68-n7jsJv2RK1r
Hokkai Bon Uta https://youtu.be/sgdvMrgI49g?si=PQMDLZ-2fqAg-UIH

It is recommended that participants in this workshop also take Sumie's Sunday Intensive.

Artists

Sumie Kaneko

Saturday August 17, 2024 11:00am - 1:00pm PDT
Sumie's Room (TBA)

Workshop, Bon

1:00pm PDT

Lunch

Break in program for lunch.

Saturday August 17, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
TBA

2:00pm PDT

Are you a taiko Oni Baba?

Taiko has been in North America for over 50 years now! There is a growing cohort who were part of the first “generation” of taiko players in the 1960s through early 1980s, who are now in their 60’s, 70’s, and older, as well as those of us who started playing taiko at an older age. “Baba” is a Japanese term for “old woman” or "grandmother.” We’re taking back the sometimes insulting term “Oni Baba” to proudly define it as an older person who has spirit and power! People of all gender identities are welcome to come!

Please join us for an informal forum discussion on what it means to us to be an older taiko player, and what we would like it to mean. It’s an opportunity to share, support and explore together. Discussion questions could include: What will taiko be for us when we can’t play like we did before? How can groups deal with their aging members and what makes them inclusive or non-inclusive? How have our values around taiko changed as we’ve gotten older? What new ideas can we come up with for ourselves? Any other questions you want to bring to the discussion are open as well. The forum discussion will be facilitated by Barbara Yasui (Northwest Taiko) and Wendy Hamai (Issho Open Taiko) who are both in their 70’s and are excited to have this discussion with others.

Speakers

Wendy Hamai

Barbara Yasui

I'm from Seattle, & I play with Northwest Taiko.

Saturday August 17, 2024 2:00pm - 3:20pm PDT
TBA

Discussion

2:00pm PDT

Taking Care of Taiko: Unpacking the film “Because of You, I Am

Join session facilitators PJ & Roy Hirabayashi to share your reactions, comments, and insights sparked by the film “Because of You, I Am” that will be shown at the conference’s plenary session.

Film synopsis:
Because of You, I Am is a short 30-minute documentary film about PJ & Roy Hirabayashi, two quietly radical Japanese American taiko drummers who defied traditional cultural expectations in their quest for identity and purpose. Together, they spent over five decades using the drum as a platform to catalyze social change, build community from the ground up, and champion a new category of Asian American music despite facing the unrelenting challenges of anti-Asian hate, racial injustice, and cultural appropriation.
“Because of You, I Am” website
PJRoyTaiko website

The dialogue in this session is intended to be an inflection point for continued contemplation, self/group inquiry, and action with regards to “why” you play taiko, “how” your taiko playing can be a deeper expression of intention, and reimagining “what” your commitment is to the taiko art form in light of this conversation.

Speakers

Pear Urushima

Kanreki Productions

Artists

PJ Hirabayashi

Roy and PJ Hirabayashi, who celebrated their 50th anniversary of playing taiko in 2023, are San Jose Taiko's co-founder and Artistic Directors Emeritus. Their contributions to North American taiko are unparalleled, earning them the prestigious 2011 National Endowment of the Arts National... Read More →

Roy Hirabayashi

Saturday August 17, 2024 2:00pm - 3:20pm PDT
TBA

Discussion, Film

2:00pm PDT

Tokyo Festival Traditions

This discussion is about omatsuri (festivals) in Tokyo. It will focus mainly on Sanja Matsuri which happens every May in Asakusa. Topics include Edo Bayashi (traditional festival music of Tokyo), omikoshi (portable shrine), food and drinks, historical significance, and many other aspects of a Tokyo festival. By the end of this discussion, you will be equipped with the knowledge to talk about and appreciate Japanese festival culture on a deeper level.

Artists

Eien Hunter-Ishikawa

Saturday August 17, 2024 2:00pm - 3:20pm PDT
TBA

Discussion

3:30pm PDT

6 Drills/6 Stories: Youth Workshop

6 Drills/6 Stories: Youth Workshop

Shinobu has a collection of more than 15 different drills in different levels of difficulties during over 40 years of Taiko journey. He believes in imperative importance of drills in the technical and musical development in Taiko. Every drills has its own stories and history. In this workshop you will be introduced and able play 6 different drills that you may be familiar with or/and you may see for the first time. You will find out its origin and deep history behind them.

Please bring bachi.

Artists

Shinobu Homma

Saturday August 17, 2024 3:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
617

Workshop, Youth Focused

3:30pm PDT

A Modern Approach to Ji Playing

This workshop is about developing your ji playing, the accompaniment part which supports the melody and solos. We will cover topics such as good stick technique, common patterns, tempo control, rhythmic accuracy, using the voice, how to practice ji playing, and more. These concepts are inspired by modern drumset practicing methods and are designed to provide clear guidelines for improving your ji playing.

Prerequisites: None
Please Bring: Shime Bachi

Artists

Eien Hunter-Ishikawa

Saturday August 17, 2024 3:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
602

Workshop

3:30pm PDT

Bon Daiko: Tanko Bushi

Participants can expect to come out of this workshop with an understanding of how to perform Tanko Bushi on the chudaiko, how to dance to the song, and a basic knowledge of the song’s background.

The workshop will be divided into three segments. In the first segment, we will cover the song’s historical and geographic origin, the lyrics, and the structure. In the second segment, we will learn an arrangement for the chudaiko. And in the third segment, we are excited to learn the dance from Tyler Moriguchi.

I have been playing Bon Odori music since I was 7 or 8. It’s music that is very personal to me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share this music together. Looking forward to seeing you soon! -Isaku

Prerequisites: None
Please Bring: Bachi

Tanko Bushi https://youtu.be/cmchZWxSdk8?si=yoWz0ASjrxvdb46s

Artists

Isaku Kageyama

Tyler Moriguchi

Saturday August 17, 2024 3:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
606

Workshop, Bon

3:30pm PDT

Bon Taiko Music! (Shinobue)

Participants will learn three pieces of Bon Taiko repertoire: Hokkai Bon Uta, Sohma Bon Uta, and Tanko Bushi. In addition to learning the music and style of each piece, we will briefly discuss the history and context of each of the selections. Though we will touch on beginner- and intermediate-level techniques for general fue playing, this workshop will primarily focus on learning the melodies of each piece.

Prerequisites:
Participants should be comfortable with simple melodies played on the fue.
It will be helpful if participants are roughly familiar with each piece. Please reference the recordings available on the website.

Please Bring:
The fue used in the recordings for these pieces are:
Hokkai Bon Uta & Tanko Bushi: #8 fue
Sohma Bon Uta: #7 fue.
Participants may practice the pieces on whatever fue they have.

Tanko Bushi https://youtu.be/cmchZWxSdk8?si=yoWz0ASjrxvdb46s
Souma Bon Uta https://youtu.be/yq4EyINaTLQ?si=JF68-n7jsJv2RK1r
Hokkai Bon Uta https://youtu.be/sgdvMrgI49g?si=PQMDLZ-2fqAg-UIH

Artists

David Wells

Saturday August 17, 2024 3:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
614

Workshop, Bon, Shinobue

3:30pm PDT

Drill Roulette

Artists

Elias Chanteloup

Saturday August 17, 2024 3:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Ballroom 6A

Workshop

3:30pm PDT

Introduction to Release

Written in 2008 by Diana Wu, “Release” is the wild and crazy signature piece of Naruwan Taiko of San Diego. The name of the piece represents what taiko is for so many people: a way to access their full energy potential and release it outwards, thus sharing that energy with their team and audience. In this workshop, participants will develop an understanding of the musical, physical, and, most importantly, expressive elements integral to fully present the shape of Release. Mastering these elements will equip taiko players in not just performing Release, but also reach greater heights in playing freely and elevate their skills and confidence in engaging taiko performance. Specific elements that this workshop will cover are intention of sound, use of space in choreography, versatility of expression, engagement of core for endurance, and utility of voice in boosting each other. Through this packed workshop, participants will experience unlocking not only their own energy potential, but also fully awaken the energies of those around them.

Prerequisites: None
Please Bring: Chudaiko Bachi

Artists

Diana Wu

Diana Wu is the founder and director of Naruwan Taiko, based in San Diego, California. Before founding Naruwan in 2008, her taiko journey began in 2006 with UC Berkeley’s Raijin Taiko (then Cal Taiko). In 2017, Diana served as the Chair of the Host City for North American Taiko... Read More →

Saturday August 17, 2024 3:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
610

Workshop

3:30pm PDT

Joy Bubble

Participants will learn Joy Bubble, a song by Tiffany.
(Full description to come.)

Artists

Tiffany Tamaribuchi

Artistic Director, Portland Taiko/Taiko Ventures

Saturday August 17, 2024 3:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
603

Workshop

3:30pm PDT

Katsugi Okedo for Beginner

The TAIKO WORLD has unlimited possibility and you can create the new wave by yourself with your passion! “Katsugi-Okedo” will be became the best partner of your creation. It will give you the possibility to moving around on the stage with TAIKO and adding more aggressive and characteristic sound in your team. After this workshop, you know how to create your style with Katsugi-Okedo!

Prerequisites: None
Please Bring: Katsugi Okedo Bachi (recommended Hou/Magnolia)

Artists

Ringtaro Tateishi

Saturday August 17, 2024 3:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
608

Workshop, Katsugi

3:30pm PDT

Shamisen for OBON Classics

Artists

Sumie Kaneko

Saturday August 17, 2024 3:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Sumie's Room (TBA)

Workshop, Bon, Shamisen

3:30pm PDT

Sound Exists Within

We tend to think that we are making sounds by physically striking the taiko with sticks, but that's not the case. Sound exists within you first. You are just transforming it into an audible sound through the taiko. Even a single strike, "Don!" can sound completely different depending on how it's sung.

In this workshop we will learn to play taiko as if we are singing. It’s a form of singing from deep within our bodies. We will learn that the way we use our breath and our voice is deeply connected to the sound we produce with the taiko. The phrases of the drum do not have prescribed meanings like words do. This is why the phrases of taiko can transcend the barrier of language and communicate directly from one heart to another.

“I'll provide you with the techniques to make the phrases and songs you play more lively, expressive, and resonant in the hearts and souls of those who listen.” - Kaoly

Prerequisites: None
Please Bring: Bachi

Artists

Kaoly Asano

Saturday August 17, 2024 3:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
611

Workshop

3:30pm PDT

Visual Phrasing: Taiko Embodiment

In this workshop participants will create short phrases of taiko movement. Participants will learn how to utilize imagery and their own inherent sense of movement to develop visual taiko that has intention, purpose, and phrasing.

Prerequisites: None
Please Bring: Chudaiko Bachi

Artists

Michelle Fujii

Unit Souzou

Toru Watanabe

Unit Souzou

Saturday August 17, 2024 3:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
618

Workshop

6:30pm PDT

Issho Concert

Saturday night concert celebrating community and coming together to play taiko!

Saturday August 17, 2024 6:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Ballroom 6A

Concert

8:30am PDT

BachiCamp

At BachiCamp, Taiko, Shamisen and Fue* players alike have the opportunity to jump into learning Tacoma Bayashi - a fun ensemble piece written by your fearless workshop leaders - on all three instruments!! If you're a taiko player who's never touched a shamisen before? No problem! We will start from the shamisen basics, and have technique refinement support for those who have prior experience. There's something to learn for everyone!

To provide a lasting learning experience, we divide the day into separate blocks that focus on a different instrument in the song. Together, we build the skills to enjoy the art of ensemble playing with taiko and shamisen!

*For fue, please sign up for the Saturday Intensive. The Sunday intensive will focus only on taiko and shamisen.

Song notation for all instruments is available for workshop participants to take and play with their own groups.

Prerequisites:

Taiko: Beginner to intermediate level. (Two-drum set experience recommended)
Shamisen: None

Please Bring:

Bachi (Chu and Shime bachi)
If you have your own shamisen, you can bring it!

Artists

Joel Mankey

Kyle Abbott

Sunday August 18, 2024 8:30am - 3:00pm PDT
620

Intensive, Shinobue, Shamisen

8:30am PDT

Bon Taiko Music! (Shime, Kane, Fue)

Participants will learn or review three pieces of Bon Taiko repertoire: Hokkai Bon Uta, Sohma Bon Uta, and Tanko Bushi for shime, kane, and fue parts. In addition to practicing the music and style of each piece, we will briefly discuss the history and context of each of the selections.

The morning of the intensive will be focused on building comfort and confidence with individual parts. In the afternoon, we will join with the other bon taiko intensive participants to rehearse all of the music together.

Prerequisites:
No experience necessary for shime/kane.
For fue, participants should be comfortable playing some simple melodies and be somewhat familiar with each piece. Please reference the recordings available on the website.

Please Bring:
The fue used in the recordings for these pieces are:
Hokkai Bon Uta & Tanko Bushi: #8 fue
Sohma Bon Uta: #7 fue
Participants may practice the pieces on whatever fue they have, but we will need to align to the above for performance purposes.

Tanko Bushi https://youtu.be/cmchZWxSdk8?si=yoWz0ASjrxvdb46s
Souma Bon Uta https://youtu.be/yq4EyINaTLQ?si=JF68-n7jsJv2RK1r
Hokkai Bon Uta https://youtu.be/sgdvMrgI49g?si=PQMDLZ-2fqAg-UIH

Artists

David Wells

Sunday August 18, 2024 8:30am - 3:00pm PDT
603

Intensive, Bon

8:30am PDT

Composition Journey

This workshop aims to introduce you to the philosophies, processes, and aesthetics, providing insights on creating taiko compositions based on Michelle and Toru’s repertoire and ensemble-devised productions. Composition is a journey of expression and an empowering opportunity to have a voice. It is also a revealing time to understand your positionality and historical knowledge base. The inquiry in this workshop will focus on "How can we honor the cultural framework of taiko while finding our own authentic voice?" Through a 4-part iterative compositional process, including exercises that will explore asset-mapping, decision-making power, embodiment, mapping, interpretation, and more, participants will be able to begin, develop, and deepen their composition process. Throughout the workshop, improvisation will be brought forward as an exploratory opportunity and short compositional tasks will set limitations to spark creativity.

Prerequisites: Preference that the participants have some level of taiko experience beyond taiko basics/beginning phase. I'd love to be in conversation to talk this through. -Michelle

Please Bring: Please bring a journal and writing implement. Option to bring in compositional material to explore through the workshop's exercises and activities (not required).

Artists

Michelle Fujii

Unit Souzou

Toru Watanabe

Unit Souzou

Sunday August 18, 2024 8:30am - 3:00pm PDT
617

Intensive

8:30am PDT

Creating your solo and song

Participants will create a short song with a few solo parts in this mini intensive and bring it to your group.

There are 4 different and popular Taiko styles in the US today: Osuwa Daiko, Bon Taiko, Yatai Bayashi and Miyake Taiko. Participants will see the similarities and differences as they play these 4 songs in the class.

Afterwards, Ringtaro will show how to create your solo and/or song.

Participants will also learn a concept about Taiko style, path of Bachi stroke, body flexibility and feelings. These elements make a solo and/or song naturally.

Ringtaro started Taiko drumming when he was 6 years old as a member of a community-based kids Taiko group in Japan. This was a pioneer Taiko drumming group, Osuwa Daiko He joined Ondekoza in 1989 and ran the perimeter of US from 1990 to 1993. After he left Ondekoza in 2000, he moved to Orlando, Fl. for working with Matsuriza and learned Sukeroku style for 7 years. Currently, Ringtaro is learning Miyake Taiko from the Miyake Geinou Doushikai.

Prerequisites:
Please research those four kinds of Taiko style as much as you can. It helps better understand what I explain and show those.

Please Bring:
Regular Bachi (recommend Hinoki/Cypress or Hou/Magnolia)
Note & Pen

Artists

Ringtaro Tateishi

Sunday August 18, 2024 8:30am - 3:00pm PDT
614

Intensive

8:30am PDT

Creative Composition Intensive

When we compose taiko pieces we often have a rhythm or small idea but don’t know what to do with it. This intensive will give participants a great set of tools that they can apply to rhythms and phrases that will help them develop their ideas into something more substantial. Participants will get a hands-on opportunity to compose a new piece together through a facilitated process with Shoji. We will learn how to develop small ideas into larger parts, how to develop these ideas into full pieces and we will learn techniques and strategies to overcome common hurdles in the creative process. By the end of this intensive participants will have a set of creative tools, have some first hand experience through a facilitated composition process and have the beginnings of a new piece they can further develop in their own groups.

Prerequisites: None! Just some curiosity and desire to be creative!
Please Bring: Bachi

Artists

Shoji Kameda

Sunday August 18, 2024 8:30am - 3:00pm PDT
618

Intensive

8:30am PDT

Introduction to Shishimai

This mini-intensive will cover the movements of Edo Kotobuki Jishi, the traditional celebratory shishimai of Tokyo. Taught in the Wakayama Ryu method, you will learn the many detailed gestures of the shishi such as jumping over the mountain, biting the chest, licking the leg, playing with the mikan, sleeping, and much more. We will also cover the history and significance of this longstanding traditional Japanese art form. This shishimai involves a lot of physicality so you should be prepared with loose clothing, long pants, water, and a towel.

Prerequisites: have full-body mobility without pain
Please Bring: loose clothing, long pants, water, and a towel

Artists

Eien Hunter-Ishikawa

Sunday August 18, 2024 8:30am - 3:00pm PDT
602

Intensive, Movement

8:30am PDT

Katsugi Okedo Intensive

Katsugi Okedo is one of the most versatile and engaging taiko styles for both performance and practice. With good technique and awareness the drum becomes a part of the performer’s body and the creative possibilities are endless.

Katsugi Okedo is not a style that excels through raw force. The style evolves when a person becomes aware of themselves, the taiko, and how they become one to create a full sound, even with the lightest of bachi. When you understand how to play Katsugi Okedo using your whole body, you will find your natural groove and discover a richness in tone that is uniquely your own.

In this intensive, Eri Uchida will work with katsugi enthusiasts to build a deeper and much-more nuanced understanding of fundamentals and technique and apply it to “Summer Song,” a very special composition that Eri co-produced with Shoji Kameda during the time in pandemic . The full potential and expression of this piece can only be released when each performer has discovered their own unique groove through truly fleshing through fundamentals and understanding their one connection with their taiko. Let’s Eri-vate Katsugi Okedo together!

Prerequisites: Some familiarity with Katsugi Okedo
Please Bring: Katsugi Bachi (kaDON has my recommendation size, 36.5cm / 18mm made with Hou/Magnolia)

Artists

Eri Uchida

Sunday August 18, 2024 8:30am - 3:00pm PDT
608

Intensive, Katsugi

8:30am PDT

Masterclass with PJ & Roy Hirabayashi: The Race for Free Spirit

Join us as PJ and Roy celebrate their 50th-anniversary theme, "The Race For Free Spirit." This milestone marks their long-standing commitment to taiko and serves as a testament to their philosophy, inspirations, movement, improvisation, and the sheer joy they find in playing taiko.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from the taiko masters, PJ and Roy Hirabayashi. You'll get to experience two of their notable compositions—"Ei Ja Nai Ka (EJNK)" and "Free Spirit"—and delve into their core values, relationship-building, and the importance of embodying "free spirit." PJ will teach for the first time an EJNK processional arrangement where the free spirit is woven through movement. Roy will guide you through the fundamentals of the song "Free Spirit" through improvisation drills and playing as a group.

Prerequisites: Basic taiko performing experience, comfortable with active movement, improvising, and playing with a beginner's mind.

Please Bring: Participants should bring bachi for both chudaiko and shime.

No individual recordings will be allowed during this course.

Artists

PJ Hirabayashi

Roy Hirabayashi

Sunday August 18, 2024 8:30am - 3:00pm PDT
610

Intensive

8:30am PDT

Mini TaikoBaka

Odaiko workshop with Tiffany
(Full description to come.)

Artists

Tiffany Tamaribuchi

Artistic Director, Portland Taiko/Taiko Ventures

Sunday August 18, 2024 8:30am - 3:00pm PDT
Ballroom 6A

Intensive

8:30am PDT

Obon Classics: Hokkai Bon Uta, Sohma Bon Uta, Tanko Bushi

Participants will learn or review three pieces of Bon Taiko repertoire: Hokkai Bon Uta, Sohma Bon Uta, and Tanko Bushi. In addition to practicing the music and style of each piece, we will briefly discuss the history and context of each of the selections. The morning of the intensive will be focused on building comfort and confidence with individual parts. In the afternoon, we will join with the other bon taiko intensive participants to rehearse all of the music together.

"I have been playing Bon Odori music since I was 7 or 8. It’s music that is very personal to me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share this music together. Looking forward to seeing you soon!" -Isaku

Prerequisites: None
Please Bring: Bachi

Tanko Bushi https://youtu.be/cmchZWxSdk8?si=yoWz0ASjrxvdb46s
Souma Bon Uta https://youtu.be/yq4EyINaTLQ?si=JF68-n7jsJv2RK1r
Hokkai Bon Uta https://youtu.be/sgdvMrgI49g?si=PQMDLZ-2fqAg-UIH

Artists

Isaku Kageyama

Tyler Moriguchi

Sunday August 18, 2024 8:30am - 3:00pm PDT
606

Intensive, Bon

8:30am PDT

Shamisen and Vocal for OBON Classics

Participants can expect to come out of this workshop with an understanding of how to perform (or sing) Tanko Bushi and/or Hokkai Bon Uta and/or Soma Bon Uta on shamisen (or vocals)

The workshop will be divided into two segments. In the first segment, we will cover how to hold and hit shamisen, or how to warm up your vocal cords. In the second segment, we will learn an arrangement for the shamisen (or vocal). There will be two shamisen (vocal) parts as one for beginner and the other one for intermediate so that participants can make a choice depending on the performance levels.

Prerequisites: Please listen to our three focus songs with the following links.
Music score and lyrics will be available for participants.
Tanko Bushi https://youtu.be/cmchZWxSdk8?si=yoWz0ASjrxvdb46s
Souma Bon Uta https://youtu.be/yq4EyINaTLQ?si=JF68-n7jsJv2RK1r
Hokkai Bon Uta https://youtu.be/sgdvMrgI49g?si=PQMDLZ-2fqAg-UIH

It is recommended to take this course after taking one of Sumie's workshops on Saturday.

Artists

Sumie Kaneko

Sunday August 18, 2024 8:30am - 3:00pm PDT
Sumie's Room (TBA)

Intensive, Bon

8:30am PDT

You are the Sound: Kaoly’s Philosophy of ELEVEN

"ELEVEN" is a song of prayer and hope. On March 11, 2011, a massive earthquake struck Japan, followed by a tsunami. In an instant, many lives were lost, towns were destroyed, and daily life came to a halt. After enduring many days of isolation, when we could finally gather again to play the taiko, this song was born.

Even though Japan was still in chaos and I myself was in deep sorrow and anxiety, this song that emerged was surprisingly powerful. It was the energy of hope and prayer. While "ELEVEN" was born from the events of 3.11, it is now a song that transcends not only that moment but also Japan itself, resonating with everyone.

When we play the taiko, we become a pathway connecting heaven and earth. The sound travels along that path. I would like to share this precious song of hope with all of you who have encountered taiko in this life.” - Kaoly

Prerequisites: None
Please Bring: Bachi

Artists

Kaoly Asano

Sunday August 18, 2024 8:30am - 3:00pm PDT
611

Intensive

11:30am PDT

Lunch

Break in program for lunch.

Sunday August 18, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
TBA

3:30pm PDT

Share Session

In this finale for the conference, all the Intensive classes will be able to share what they learned with the rest of the participants. Led by your Intensive instructor, you might perform a piece or otherwise demonstrate some of the material that you were working on.

This session is casual and will not be live-streamed or broadcast. We encourage everyone to participate and just have fun!

We will end the share session with the Bon Music that participants learned throughout the weekend. Everyone is invited to dance!

Sunday August 18, 2024 3:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Ballroom 6A

Concert