NATC 2025 Phoenix

This workshop is meant to give participants a sample of Tawoo dojo and how to use your full body to play taiko. Tawoo, created by Kaoly Asano of Gocoo, focuses on the philosophy and approach to how taiko is more than just hitting a drum, but the sound that comes from taiko also comes from deep inside of you. This workshop will focus on how to use the full body for full immersion in the sound and resonance of the groove created together. Repetition will be used to help reach grooves together. Phrases from a Tawoo song will also be taught to implement the new approach

About the Exadon Workshops: Connect Through Rhythm
These two-hour workshops offer an immersive and inclusive experience that anyone can enjoy. Through a variety of activities, participants will deepen their understanding of one another while exploring the power of taiko drumming.

The goal is to create a harmonious sound by actively listening and working together. By fostering cooperation and awareness, participants will rediscover essential elements of taiko performance—including listening, expression, and posture.

Beyond performance, these workshops offer insight into the broader potential of taiko. Taiko as a community builder. Taiko as a means of connection. Whether on stage or in everyday life, the rhythmic energy of taiko can inspire new ways to engage with others.
Come experience it for yourself!

Who Is It For?
● Taiko players and leaders looking to contribute to their community through drumming.
● Anyone who wants to experience a welcoming and inclusive taiko workshop.
● Those seeking to rediscover the essential elements of taiko performance.

"Kachidoki/Victory" is one of many compositions by Hatanaka Kenzo and is a cornerstone of the Fushicho Daiko Dojo. This delightful, 4 part song is sure to become a staple of your dojo's repertoire as well! Including the rhythms indigenous to the Ehime Prefecture/Matsuyama area of Shikoku, "Kachidoki" incorporates chu daiko, shime, odaiko and chappa parts to create dynamic and complex rhythms that interplay within the song, demanding close listening skills and collaboration. Kachidoki can be played by as little as 3 performers and up to 40+ (performances in Japan can include 80+). This three workshop series will cover: History and significance of the song and area, backbeat and groove, rhythms, accents, and dynamics.

All 4 parts will be taught
Friday: History, backbeat, dynamics, Chu Daiko
Saturday: Chu finish and Odaiko, intro Shime
Monday: shime + chappa, review all and play all parts together, switch parts.

The goal: confidence in remembering, applying knowledge and performing parts so you are ready to take it back to your dojo and share it!

Included: written music (western notation), tutorial videos.

Eileen Morgan has taught this song to students throughout Arizona for over 25 years, in addition to performances and continuing study in Matsuyama, Japan with students and colleagues of Hatanaka Kenzo.

Prerequisites:
Intermediate - advanced skills and knowledge: dynamics/accents, confident kata, shime, chu and odaiko
experience.
Bachi: shime (maple, tappered)
Chu: hard maple or Japanese white oak
Odaiko: hard maple (anything softer will dent because of fuchi strikes). Eileen will have a few sets to
borrow or purchase.

This workshop is meant to give participants a lively sample of TAWOO dojo and practice internalizing groove with the people around you. TAWOO, created by Kaoly Asano of GOCOO, focuses on the philosophy and approach to how taiko is more than just hitting a drum, but the resonance that comes from taiko also comes from deep inside of you and the people that join you to create it. The sound we can create together can become contagious, to the point where it makes us want to freely move, perhaps dance. Repetition will be used to help reach grooves together across all experiences to taiko. Phrases from a TAWOO song or Emily original will be taught to create a groovy atmosphere.

Please bring bachi!

This is a special workshop being offered by visiting artists from Hiroshima, Japan, who have an ongoing relationship with taiko groups in the Phoenix area. This is part of a series of workshops being offered by groups that have deep connections to taiko in Phoenix through relationships with Esther Vandecar, who studied with these groups in Japan and become a pioneer of the taiko community in Phoenix.

Hiroshima Hozonkai will share music from their region and their approach to taiko.