Break free from the usual expectations of Odaiko drumming in this workshop that centers experimentation, creative risk-taking, and full-body expression. Instead of focusing on power and intensity, we’ll explore how softness, fluidity, and improvisation can unlock new ways of connecting with the drum—and with each other. Anchored by Gliding Dreams, an autobiographical trio piece blending drumming, singing, and movement, this session invites you to challenge conventional forms through structured play. You’ll explore the drum’s expressive possibilities using guided movement, rhythm games, and collaborative improvisation. Along the way, we’ll investigate how emotion, imagery, and intention can shape your performance in unexpected ways. Open to all levels, this workshop is a space to experiment boldly, listen deeply, and stretch the boundaries of your Odaiko practice. Come ready to move, explore, and rediscover the drum as a living, responsive partner in creative expression.
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Workshop 2—Odaiko Reimagined: Exploring Movement and Expression through Improvisation
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Workshop 2—Polyrhythms
If you love rhythm, why not play two (or more) at the same time? Practicing polyrhythms can be a fun and engaging way to strengthen our understanding of the music we love to play — and you may just find yourself with a few new tricks up your sleeve to add additional flair to solos and compositions, too!
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Workshop 2—Tea and Scribble: A Composition Playground
The taiko world needs you… to create! So many taiko players are afraid of writing music. That’s because, in all honesty, it’s hard. But it’s fun too! Face the challenge and join this soiree of creativity to find the idea for rhythm generation, capture, arrangement, or musical meaning that you need to get over the hump. Open to players of all levels, this workshop presents the tools Kris and Minh have used in their now 5-year composition focus, as well as insightful prompts to help individual participants determine their own strengths and weaknesses. Whether you have a piece in the works, or you want to start, bring a notebook, pen, and questions. Kris and Minh (Arugakki) will perform a selection of their newest work and share the creative process behind the music/dance. Plus we’ll have tea as we chat. Join us on the fun/frustrating rollercoaster of composition!
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Workshop 3—Drumming Across Surfaces: Multi-Drum Basics
Dive into the rhythm and excitement of drumming across multiple taiko! This workshop will focus on essential techniques to enhance your ability to move your bachi seamlessly from drum to drum. We will cover the basics of coordinating your movements as you play on various drums, building your confidence and skill, engage in targeted exercises designed to help you transition smoothly between drums, enhancing your overall drumming fluency, and combine everything into a lively and enjoyable practice exercise that you can incorporate into your own taiko practice. Bring lightweight shime/ okedo bachi.
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Workshop 3—Katsugi Okedo Fundamentals
Katsugi okedo is a fun, challenging, and dynamic style that offers players many options for musical and visual expression and creativity. This workshop will focus on laying the groundwork for future study with a strong emphasis on building good habits, performing colorfully, and exploring the potential of the style.
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Workshop 3—Shime Daiko Soirée
Using only shime daiko, we will work together to create a piece focusing on transitions and multiple Ji.
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Workshop 3—Shime Drills
Learn the shime drills San Jose Taiko teaches during its Audition Process as well as how these skills are evaluated.
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Workshop 3—Tea and Scribble: A Composition Playground
The taiko world needs you… to create! So many taiko players are afraid of writing music. That’s because, in all honesty, it’s hard. But it’s fun too! Face the challenge and join this soiree of creativity to find the idea for rhythm generation, capture, arrangement, or musical meaning that you need to get over the hump. Open to players of all levels, this workshop presents the tools Kris and Minh have used in their now 5-year composition focus, as well as insightful prompts to help individual participants determine their own strengths and weaknesses. Whether you have a piece in the works, or you want to start, bring a notebook, pen, and questions. Kris and Minh (Arugakki) will perform a selection of their newest work and share the creative process behind the music/dance. Plus we’ll have tea as we chat. Join us on the fun/frustrating rollercoaster of composition!