NATC 2025 Phoenix

This workshop invites participants to engage in creative play with texture while exploring different storytelling approaches within Naname choreography. Through a series of innovative movement exercises, attendees will experiment with various qualities of movement to enhance their expressive capabilities, discovering how texture can inform and enrich their storytelling on the taiko.

Participants will begin by learning a set of original Naname choreography, focusing on body mechanics and fluidity. Emphasizing the connection between movement and narrative, the workshop will include a creative exercise inspired by Thomas Locker's poem "Cloud Dance," where participants will collaborate in small groups to create their own arrangements. By exploring the interplay of texture and movement, attendees will unlock new avenues for dynamic expression and storytelling within Naname choreography. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to expand movement vocabulary while deepening the connection between choreography and narrative.

Prerequisite/What to bring: Some experience playing in the Naname style is recommended, but the workshop is open to anyone interested in diversifying their Naname playing with a more dynamic approach. Participants are encouraged to bring lighter bachi, such as maple or magnolia bachi, to facilitate fluid movement.

This workshop provides an introduction to the drumming and dancing traditions of the Obon Festival. Participants will learn to play and dance to classics Hokkai Bon Uta and Tanko Bushi, while exploring the cultural and historical significance (lyrics and background) behind the songs.

Recordings of the songs will be provided, enabling participants to continue practicing and perform at their local Obon festivals.

Whether you're new to Bon Daiko or a seasoned veteran, I hope this workshop offers you a chance to dive into a rich cultural experience.

Prerequisite/What to bring: Chudaiko Bachi

Ever wanted to perform and experience a hundred-year-old obon song? Taiko, fue, singing and dancing will energize you as you learn “Fukushima Ondo”. The song from the Fukushima region was brought to Maui by Japanese immigrants who worked on sugar plantations. Kay Fukumoto, a fifty-year performer of the song and a fourth-generation family member continuing the tradition, along with Maui Taiko assistants, will help participants to bring the song together. Participants will be sent links to learn the different elements and encouraged to learn them prior to the workshop. (Note: if this is possible - The song will be performed by participants at the Sunday recital with other conference attendees dancing.)

Prerequisite/What to bring: Knowing drumming for "Matsuri" will be helpful but not required. Equipment: kumidaiko & shime bachi

Inspired by the rare and magnificent appearance of comet NEOWISE, this original composition reflects the shared wonder of witnessing beauty in the evening sky. This naname-style piece can be performed as a group or solo performance.
In this workshop, participants will not only learn the thematic elements of NEOWISE, but will also be invited to share and perform the piece with their own groups. This opens up a space for communal expression, where taiko players from different environments can connect through a shared musical experience. By offering this composition freely to the community, we celebrate the spirit of resilience, adaptability, and the joy of creation together, even in the most remote or challenging of environments.

Prerequisite/What to bring: Equipment:
Bachi (Maple #8 42cm or similar preferred)

Foundational Skill in naname-style
Ability to read western notation recommended

"Cascade" was written by Elias Chanteloup in 2017 inspired by his move to Seattle and the Cascade mountain range that runs through Washington State. Cascade is a beginner to intermediate Naname song that anyone can play! Cascade incorporates wave-like movements, precise timing sections, and HIGH ENERGY.
Cascade is a great festival piece that teaches you the importance of playing together! In this workshop, Elias will teach you the song, choreography, and SPIRIT of what it means to play Cascade. Let's ride!

Prerequisite/What to bring: Participants should have a basic understanding of naname and shame if they want to play the shime part.

This workshop in Yodan will teach advanced techniques needed for playing solos and/or with another drummer. Techniques will build on basic patterns, incorporating dynamic arm movements and footwork that allow the player seamless transitions between two drums. After this lesson, students will understand advanced skills needed to develop their own solos.
Yodan allows performers to express their individual styles, patterns, and movements while maintaining harmony within a cohesive ensemble and song. It emphasizes moving and playing closely with others, adjusting the rhythm and timing to stay united as a group.

Prerequisite/What to bring: Previous yodan experience is preferred. Students will need to bring Chu daiko bachi, preferably kashi or maple.

"Quitiplas in the Pocket" invites participants to explore the dynamic interplay between Afro-Venezuelan Quitiplas and polyrhythmic patterns through a series of Naname movement drills. Designed for movement enthusiasts of all levels, this workshop focuses on enhancing rhythmic understanding and body coordination through engaging and accessible exercises. Participants will learn to approach polyrhythm in enjoyable ways, utilizing body percussion and visual aids to create a strong rhythmic foundation while making the material accessible for different neurotypes.

Throughout the session, attendees will delve into various Naname movement drills that serve as building blocks for their creative toolkit, enabling them to expand their Naname solos and compositions. By emphasizing body mechanics and leveraging the concept of neuroplasticity, participants will discover how repeated practice and new movement patterns can reshape their learning pathways.

Prerequisite/What to bring: While basic experience with Naname is recommended, it is not mandatory. This workshop is open to anyone interested in diversifying their Naname vocabulary. Please bring maple or magnolia bachi

Overview: Join us for Taiko Taichi, a unique workshop that blends traditional taiko techniques with a bachi-less approach, reminiscent of “air bachi.” This method reduces joint stress and enhances body awareness by focusing on grip, arm speed, and positioning.
Benefits:
Gentle on the body, ideal for all fitness levels.
Perfect for practice in environments with limited resources; we’ll only need 5 drums and stands. beta or naname
Structure: Participants will receive instruction on techniques, followed by practice and demonstrations. The workshop will include both group and individual feedback. While some participants play on drums, others will follow the motions and timing with their bodies, switching roles after a few repetitions.
Join us to enhance your taiko skills, improve your energy efficiency, and experience the benefits of Taiko Taichi!

This workshop in Yodan will teach advanced techniques needed for playing solos and/or with another drummer. Techniques will build on basic patterns, incorporating dynamic arm movements and footwork that allow the player seamless transitions between two drums. After this lesson, students will understand advanced skills needed to develop their own solos.
Yodan allows performers to express their individual styles, patterns, and movements while maintaining harmony within a cohesive ensemble and song. It emphasizes moving and playing closely with others, adjusting the rhythm and timing to stay united as a group.

Prerequisite/What to bring: Previous yodan experience is preferred. Students will need to bring Chu daiko bachi, preferably kashi or maple.

Ever wanted to perform and experience a hundred-year-old obon song? Taiko, fue, singing and dancing will energize you as you learn “Fukushima Ondo”. The song from the Fukushima region was brought to Maui by Japanese immigrants who worked on sugar plantations. Kay Fukumoto, a fifty-year performer of the song and a fourth-generation family member continuing the tradition, along with Maui Taiko assistants, will help participants to bring the song together. Participants will be sent links to learn the different elements and encouraged to learn them prior to the workshop. (Note: if this is possible - The song will be performed by participants at the Sunday recital with other conference attendees dancing.)

Prerequisite/What to bring: Knowing drumming for "Matsuri" will be helpful but not required. Equipment: kumidaiko & shime bachi