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.
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Workshop 1—Introduction to Release
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Workshop 2—Yamamba: Wandering Mountain Spirit – empowering the inner you
Empowering the inner you – Sometimes it may be easier to release your inner self when hidden behind a mask. In this workshop, participants will craft simple masks to wear while drumming, using them as a tool for self-expression and transformation. Through guided movement and rhythm, we’ll explore ways to awaken the body, unlock creativity, and connect with the spirit within. Channeling the energy of ancient mountain spirits rising from the earth, we’ll drum, move, and express ourselves freely and powerfully.
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Workshop 3—Stage Presence
Performing in public requires more than just the basics of playing the taiko. Stage presence, working as a group and group dynamics are all part of what can make an ok performance into a great performance.
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Your Schedule
View more detailed information and schedule in the attendee packet. Get specific information for your group by clicking your group below:
Group 1, Group 2, Group 3, Group 4, Group 5, Group 6, Group 7, Group 8, Group 9, Group 10, Group 11, Group 12, Group 13, Group 14, Group 15
Day Zero (Friday, May 23):
4:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Equipment Load-In, if applicable (Dinkelspiel Auditorium)
Day One (Saturday, May 24):
7:30 am – 8:30 am: Check-In and Continental Breakfast @ Braun Patio
8:30 am – 9:30 am: Welcome and Plenary @ Campbell Rehearsal Hall (Braun Music Center)
9:30 am – 9:40 am: Sort into groups9:40 am – 10:00 am: Walk to first workshop
10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Workshop 1
- 10 minutes included for warm ups
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm: Lunch
- 12:05-1:25pm: Spiking for most of the teams for Collegiate Concert @ Dinkelspiel Auditorium
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm: Walk to second workshop
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Workshop 2
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Taiko Tabling @ Braun Patio
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm: Dinner
- Finale Practice: 5:45 – 6:15 pm
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm: Instructor Showcase
Day Two (Sunday, May 25):
7:30 am – 8:30 am: Breakfast, announcements @ Braun Patio
8:30 am – 9:00 am: Hachimaki exchange + pictures
9:00 am – 9:30 am: Walk to Workshop 3
9:30 am – 11:30 am: Workshop 3 + warm-ups
11:30 am – 1:00 pm: Lunch
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Thematic Sessions
- Breadth: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
- Experimentation: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
- Collaboration: 1:00pm – 2:00 pm
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Concert Prep + snacks
- 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm ITC Meeting @ Braun 102
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Collegiate Concert
- 3:30 pm concert doors open
6:00 pm – 6:30 pm: Final Announcements + Photos
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm: Equipment Return