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