NATC 2025 Phoenix

Written during the searing heat of a Tucson summer, 105° invokes the power of the Sonora desert sun. Players move athletically from a naname chu to a yokouchi odaiko, playing them separately and together. The song also has a shime part that holds the jiuchi and provides fills at key moments. Physically demanding, 105° gives players an experiential understanding of the grit it takes to be a taiko player in the desert, be that the desert southwest or a metaphorical desert, a place where taiko has drilled a deep taproot far from its California epicenter. The piece is appropriate for intermediate and advanced players.

The session will begin with a demonstration of the song and discussion of its origins and artistic intent. Participants will then learn the song through active call and answer (both vocal and on taiko). Participants will work in groups of two, alternating turns at the drums and doing air bachi. (The song is very physical and this approach will prevent overexertion.) 105° is released under Copyleft - By Attribution- No Derivatives - Share Alike license, and every participant will have full permission to teach the song and perform it with their groups.

Prerequisite/What to bring: Naname and yokouchi (up drum) fundamentals; ni-dan experience helpful but not required

Isamigoma is one of the classic pieces in the Osuwa Daiko repertoire composed by master Daihachi Oguchi. He created Tonbane Daiko, based on Isamigoma for children and adults to play together, so whole families could experience the joy of playing Taiko. This is a great piece for festivals, for accompanying marathon runners, and for many other occasions, since the length of the piece and the performance set up are very flexible. Since there is a Shinobue part also, Fue players are also encouraged to participate in this workshop.
Although this piece is quite simple and designed for all level players, it requires some details to execute so the paired players avoid hitting each other in the air when it is performed in Tonbane form. While this workshop is also for players who already know the piece, first timers and beginners are welcome to join.

Note: Isamigoma Tonbane Daiko is not an open source piece. All participants are required to keep the original form and not to add their own arrangement or teach to other groups other than their own members.

Prerequisite/What to bring: Can play the rhythm of "tekke tekke tekke tekke" comfortably. Can jump.