For more information, contact us at [email protected].
CLASS SCHEDULE:
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2024 – Beginner Taiko Class
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Beginner Taiko Class – Register SOLD OUT !!
- Date: Sept 08 – Nov 25, 2024 (12 weeks)
- Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- Cost: $300.00
- Prerequisite: None
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2024 – Taiko Kids & Parent Workshops
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Taiko Kids & Parent Workshops – Register
- Date: Aug 18 – Aug 25, 2024 (2 Weeks)
- Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- Cost: $25 per workshop per parent & child, $12.50 per additional child
- Prerequisite: Child must be accompanied by an adult parent. Ages 5 – 10 yo.
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2024 – Apprenticeship
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Apprenticeship – Register
- Date: Sept 08 – Nov 10, 2024 (10 weeks)
- Time: Sundays 9:00 – 1:00 PM, Mondays 6:30 – 10:00 PM
- Cost: $100
- Prerequisite: Must be concurrently enrolled in “Song of the Month” class.
DESCRIPTION:
BEGINNER TAIKO CLASS — This is where your taiko journey begins! Learn the basics of kumi-daiko, or ensemble taiko drumming. It starts with having fun, connecting with each other’s energy, while working on good foundational skills of using your body efficiently to make the best sound.
We will also count and greet each other in Japanese and use kuchishoga, an onomatopoeic language to learn rhythms.
STYLES CLASS — This is where your taiko journey continues! Here you will begin to sample the different styles of drumming that we practice at Odaiko New England. Each style requires its own set of striking skills, stances and even equipment. We will also spend some time reviewing songs from previous classes to begin to build a repertoire of songs we can enjoy playing together.
SONG OF THE MONTH — This is where we devote one month to learning a new song. For August 2024, we will learn this very cool song called “STEAMPUNK’D” by Razz Purcell. It is written for Odaiko, Chus, and Shime with interesting movement and rhythms inspired by steam powered machinery.
“JUST DRILLS WITH JUNI” — This is where your pure drumming skills will improve! — we will focus on developing the ability to play “the ji”. The most important function as a drummer is to be able to play consistently evenly in time and provide a strong and reliable underlying pulse, or “the ji”. Developing the ability to feel AND play a good Ji is an essential skill in KumiDaiko playing. Yet very few taiko players devote the time to develop this skill. THIS is the class dedicated to developing that skill!!! We will work on the most common Ji patterns – straight ji, swing ji, horse beat ji, Matsuri ji. We will also do drills to improve our dynamics control and hand power.
Apprenticeship — This training is tailored to those who have completed the apprenticeship application and are training to become a performing member. Apprentices focus on skills required for membership such as strong ji playing and train together with members on both current repertoire and required repertoire. Full commitment to practice on Sunday mornings and Monday nights is required.
What to bring
Please wear comfortable clothes to class & bring water. This commanding art form engages the entire body and it’s important to stay hydrated. Hearing protection is also recommended.
COVID Policy
Masks are optional. However, if you are feeling ill and/or have reason to believe you may have COVID, please refrain from coming to class.
LOCATION & PARKING:
Regent Underground Theatre, 7 Medford St. Arlington MA 02474 Note: The Regent Underground Theatre is next to the Main Regent Theatre. Enter the glass door to the left when facing the Main Regent Theater.
Parking: There is ample parking in the municipal parking lot which is accessible directly across the street from the theatre through an alleyway to the right of the restaurants. (This alleyway may be blocked with outdoor seating, so just drive down the street and make a left and you will see the entrance to the lot.
Parking is FREE on Sundays and $.50/hour until 8 PM otherwise.
You can also take the MBTA bus. Please check the MBTA trip planner for your best route. www.mbta.com/trip-planner
