This workshop provides greater detail on grip, stance and striking technique while exploring the choreography and rhythms utilized in some of the company’s current katsugi okedo based repertoire.
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Workshop 1—Advanced Katsugi Okedo
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Workshop 1—Choose Your Own Adventure Taiko
In this workshop, the participants will start with a given base pattern and work to compose the full piece collectively.
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Workshop 1—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.
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Workshop 1—Kane: Technique, Interlocking Rhythms, Movement
We will learn the basics on how to play the atarigane for the first half of the workshop. For the second half, we will explore interlocking rhythms and movement with the atarigane.
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Workshop 1—Mastering Bachi Twirling: Elevate Your Skills
Join us for an engaging and dynamic workshop focused on the art of bachi twirling! Whether you’re a seasoned twirler or a complete beginner, this workshop is designed to enhance your skills and optimize the beauty of your movements. We’ll start with the essential elements of proper form, ensuring that you understand the basics that make your twirls shine. Then we’ll learn now our arm movements influence our twirling, creating a harmonious flow. All our knowledge will come together in a fun and challenging practice song that incorporates various rhythms, allowing you to put your twirling into context and share your newfound skills with others. Bring your chudaiko bachi.
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Workshop 1—Midare-Uchi
Participants will have the opportunity to learn the history of Midare-Uchi/Matsuri Taiko from Tokyo, Japan. Participants will also explore movements while building awareness between themself and the drum.
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Workshop 1—Movement Expansion and Exploration
This workshop is designed as a practical dive into different aspects of movement on and around the drum. We’ll work on creativity, control, and intention to help players bring a fresh approach to how they move around the drum.
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Workshop 1—Odaiko Reimagined: Exploring Movement and Expression through Improvisation
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 1—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 1—Solid Shime Daiko Playing
Good shime daiko technique will improve your technique on all sized taiko. This class will concentrate on the intricate shime daiko techniques and patterns found in the lively festival music of Edo Bayashi (Tokyo festival music). This technique is quite refined and has applications to all sized taiko. Emphasis will be on timing, playing with precision, grip, sound, nori (groove), and relaxing.