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
Rome Hamner (she/her) has performed and taught taiko for 25 years. During this time she launched and co-directed multiple organizations and served on the TCA Board of Directors from 2015-2021 and as General Manager of San Jose Taiko from 2017-2024. Performance highlights include drumming... Read More →
Saturday August 30, 2025 8:30am - 12:30pm MDT
105B
The taiko world needs you... to create! So many taiko players are afraid of writing music. That's because, in all honesty, it's hard. But it's fun too! Face the challenge and join this soiree of creativity to find the idea for rhythm generation, capture, arrangement, or musical meaning that you need to get over the hump. Open to players of all levels, this workshop presents the tools Kris and Minh have used in their now 5-year composition focus, as well as insightful prompts to help individual participants determine their own strengths and weaknesses. Whether you have a piece in the works, or you want to start, bring a notebook, pen, and questions. Kris and Minh (Arugakki) will perform a selection of their newest workand share the creative process behind the music/dance. Plus we'll have tea as we chat. Join us on the fun/frustrating rollercoaster of composition!
