LARGE SESSIONS:
Taiko 2.0: Activism and Advocacy
Curator: Elise Fujimoto
In this session, we look “beyond the drum” to see and hear what are groups doing beyond traditional kumidaiko to make social, political, or ethical statements. Half Taiko Talks, half discussion, this session will feature individual speakers presenting their projects followed by a moderated panel discussion and Q&A.
Women in Taiko
Curator: Wisa Uemura
This session will celebrate the history of female involvement within the taiko community, and discuss the direction of growth, recognition, and empowerment of female taiko players into the future. Moderated panel discussion will transition to small group breakouts and general Q&A. Open to all.
The Wonderful World of Wagakki – Traditional Arts Showcase
Curator: TBA
Come enjoy some live music and learn about wagakki (traditional Japanese instruments). Presenters will be sharing the rich history of various traditional Japanese performing arts and melodic instruments. Experience how wagakki can work together in a performing ensemble and complement any taiko performance.
Six Degrees of (Taiko) Separation
Curator: Mark H Rooney
Stage Production
Curator: Roy Hirabayashi
If you’ve ever wondered how to produce a concert, then this session is specially formulated for you! Learn about the ins and outs of stage production and the “behind the scenes” action of what goes into producing a concert.
SMALL SESSIONS
Approximately 25 person capacity per session
Lessons from the Los Angeles Taiko Institute (LATI) 2013-2016
Curator: Kris Bergstrom
Fellow teachers of taiko! Learn the most useful pedagogical techniques developed over the course of more than 4000 classes at Los Angeles Taiko Institute since its inception in 2013. Participants experience the techniques directly, serving as students through a variety of learning exercises. The material is drawn from the “Taiko Teaching Tips” developed by Yuta Kato, David Wells, Yuri Yoshida, and other Institute staff, and covers both logistical and musical topics to help students learn quickly and have fun.
Teaching Taiko
Curator: Franco Imperial
San Jose Taiko will share best practices from over four decades of teaching taiko. This session will also draw from participants’ collective experiences with leading and organizing taiko workshops. Be prepared to ask questions, share knowledge, and demonstrate what we discuss. Consider it a fun master class for taiko teachers!
Taiko and Community: What’s the Connection? (2 sessions)
Curator: Karen Young
TAIKO and COMMUNITY go hand in hand. In this workshop we will look at three levels of taiko community: within our groups, amongst our groups, and our connection to the larger community around us. Participants will leave with tools and concepts to strengthen their groups at home, an increased knowledge base of the variety of taiko organizations and their purposes, and several methods of how groups outreach and engage the community around them. This interactive workshop is suitable for all levels of taiko players. Whether you’re a solo or ensemble player, or consider yourself a leader or newbie to the taiko community, you’ll come away from this workshop with new friends, a greater sense of connectedness, and tools and knowledge that will help you achieve your taiko goals. “Technical workshops are great for mechanics, but Karen’s workshops deal with the very heart and soul of taiko – the people who play it.” Jonathan Kirby, Director, Kagemusha Taiko, UK Taiko Festival, and the European Taiko Conference
Fundraising doesn’t have to suck
Curator: Rome Hamner
Most of us just want to play more taiko, but none of us get to play ANY taiko if someone isn’t bringing in money for drums, replacement heads, a place to play, a place to store everything ….if you’re the person in charge of keeping the lights on for your group, come to this engaging (really!) interactive (really!) session and begin building a toolkit to help you bring in money without burning out.