Join Sumie Kaneko, David Wells, and Isaku Kageyama in a workshop series where participants will be the first to learn WAISSHO Ondo ・ 和一緒 (ワイッショ) 音頭 ・an original song written by Sumie in the style of Bon Odori. This series will focus on learning the taiko, fue, and vocal parts of the song, giving participants a unique opportunity to be the first to bring this new composition to life at their local Obon Festival.
While your voice is your most accessible instrument, it's also hidden within your body. Similar to how you prepare your taiko and bachi, your voice needs warming up before singing.
The vocal class will begin with exercises to enhance body awareness and prepare your voice for singing, rather than speaking. Once your voice is ready, we'll dive into learning "WAISSHO Ondo," a piece that truly celebrates the power of vocals and kakegoe. Your voice and energy are essential!
By the end of the series, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to perform a newly crafted song that honors the spirit of Obon. Recordings and practice tracks will be provided. This workshop is open to all experience levels and is designed to foster a sense of community through the shared joy of creating and performing music.
Participants in this workshop are invited to also take "
Playing as an Ensemble for a New Bon Odori Song" on Saturday (4:45-6:45), where the drum, dance, fue, narimono, shamisen, and singing parts will come together to play as an ensemble. Participants are then invited to play WAISSHO Ondo for the closing ceremony of NATC Phoenix.
This Ondo is especially made for NATC participants who want to upgrade their musicality by not only playing taiko but also understanding the singing line and shamisen/fue line, so they can play the piece with consideration vertically in the music, not only horizontally playing your taiko part.
