NATC 2025 Phoenix

Join SJT Performing members explore “Taiko Vegetables” - healthy ingredients to include in your taiko diet. Participants will cover what we feel are non-negotiables in terms of San Jose Taiko’s Four Principles: Kata, Musical Technique, Ki, and Attitude. Participants will not only learn drills on chu (betta) and shime daiko but strategies for implementing them into your busy rehearsal schedule.

Prerequisite/What to bring: No prerequisite knowledge required. Please bring bachi suitable for chu daiko.

This is a new public domain piece for the taiko community! I wrote Commotion back in 2008 for San Jose Taiko and it quickly became a festival favorite. It’s a high-energy piece on betta and shime-daiko that runs just under 4 minutes. It’s easy to learn but also a good workout! Instead of musical solos, Commotion has several bursts of improvised movement as players get from one drum to the next – hence the title, “Commotion!” Designed to be played with a minimum of 7 people and scaleable, this song is both as fun to play as it is to watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suaGFvAq0KY (arranged for 2015 San Jose Obon)

Prerequisite/What to bring: 1 pair regular bachi
1 pair shime-daiko bachi

As a huge country with multiples cultural backgrounds, Brazil has dozen of unique music styles. In this workshop we will adapt those regional rhythms for Taiko drums. For example Samba, Arrocha, Axé, Forró...
This workshop is less about technique and tradition, and more about feeling the rhythm and having fun.
By expanding the rhythm repertoire, the players may become better drummers, and more complete musicians.

Prerequisite/What to bring: Bachi and smiles

Taiko FUNdamentals is an engaging and interactive workshop that celebrates the joy of playing taiko through fun games and musical activities. Designed for youth, beginners, and educators, this session emphasizes inclusivity and adaptability for participants of all abilities, including those with mobility challenges. By fostering a playful atmosphere, the workshop aims to create a welcoming space where everyone can thrive in their musical journey.

Key objectives include enhancing musical skills through engaging games and classic Taiko Together pieces, such as "Aisatsu Song" and "Mochi Megane," to develop ensemble listening skills and improve rhythmic sensitivity. Participants will also have the opportunity to explore original expression through playful musical activities, experiencing firsthand what an inclusive taiko space feels like. This workshop actively combats ableism, ensuring all participants feel valued and welcomed.

In this vibrant session, attendees will engage in a variety of interactive games designed to strengthen stage presence and enhance group dynamics. Adaptations will be provided to ensure everyone can participate comfortably. Through body percussion, songs, and movement, participants will uncover their intuitive musicality, tapping into their natural abilities without pressure. Educators will leave equipped with valuable strategies to incorporate these playful elements into their teaching practices, promoting inclusivity in their classrooms and inspiring all students to express themselves musically.

Prerequisite/What to bring: Open to all levels, Youth and beginners are welcomed, along with teachers or leaders seeking to enhance their teaching tools and repertoires. Seated versions and adaptations are offered as part of the workshop for those who would appreciate the option.

This is a new public domain piece for the taiko community! I wrote Commotion back in 2008 for San Jose Taiko and it quickly became a festival favorite. It’s a high-energy piece on betta and shime-daiko that runs just under 4 minutes. It’s easy to learn but also a good workout! Instead of musical solos, Commotion has several bursts of improvised movement as players get from one drum to the next – hence the title, “Commotion!” Designed to be played with a minimum of 7 people and scaleable, this song is both as fun to play as it is to watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suaGFvAq0KY (arranged for 2015 San Jose Obon)

Prerequisite/What to bring: 1 pair regular bachi
1 pair shime-daiko bachi

Taiko FUNdamentals is an engaging and interactive workshop that celebrates the joy of playing taiko through fun games and musical activities. Designed for youth, beginners, and educators, this session emphasizes inclusivity and adaptability for participants of all abilities, including those with mobility challenges. By fostering a playful atmosphere, the workshop aims to create a welcoming space where everyone can thrive in their musical journey.

Key objectives include enhancing musical skills through engaging games and classic Taiko Together pieces, such as "Aisatsu Song" and "Mochi Megane," to develop ensemble listening skills and improve rhythmic sensitivity. Participants will also have the opportunity to explore original expression through playful musical activities, experiencing firsthand what an inclusive taiko space feels like. This workshop actively combats ableism, ensuring all participants feel valued and welcomed.

In this vibrant session, attendees will engage in a variety of interactive games designed to strengthen stage presence and enhance group dynamics. Adaptations will be provided to ensure everyone can participate comfortably. Through body percussion, songs, and movement, participants will uncover their intuitive musicality, tapping into their natural abilities without pressure. Educators will leave equipped with valuable strategies to incorporate these playful elements into their teaching practices, promoting inclusivity in their classrooms and inspiring all students to express themselves musically.

Prerequisite/What to bring: Open to all levels, Youth and beginners are welcomed, along with teachers or leaders seeking to enhance their teaching tools and repertoires. Seated versions and adaptations are offered as part of the workshop for those who would appreciate the option.

In this workshop participants will learn the basic taiko strokes and different drills and exercises that will build bachi control and facility. Participants will learn how to ‘listen’ to their bachi and develop good touch and feel with their bachi. By the end of this workshop series participants will have a new appreciation for their bachi and understand how to practice in a way where the bachi will become a natural extension of their body.

Prerequisite/What to bring: None

Taiko FUNdamentals is an engaging and interactive workshop that celebrates the joy of playing taiko through fun games and musical activities. Designed for youth, beginners, and educators, this session emphasizes inclusivity and adaptability for participants of all abilities, including those with mobility challenges. By fostering a playful atmosphere, the workshop aims to create a welcoming space where everyone can thrive in their musical journey.

Key objectives include enhancing musical skills through engaging games and classic Taiko Together pieces, such as "Aisatsu Song" and "Mochi Megane," to develop ensemble listening skills and improve rhythmic sensitivity. Participants will also have the opportunity to explore original expression through playful musical activities, experiencing firsthand what an inclusive taiko space feels like. This workshop actively combats ableism, ensuring all participants feel valued and welcomed.

In this vibrant session, attendees will engage in a variety of interactive games designed to strengthen stage presence and enhance group dynamics. Adaptations will be provided to ensure everyone can participate comfortably. Through body percussion, songs, and movement, participants will uncover their intuitive musicality, tapping into their natural abilities without pressure. Educators will leave equipped with valuable strategies to incorporate these playful elements into their teaching practices, promoting inclusivity in their classrooms and inspiring all students to express themselves musically.

Prerequisite/What to bring: Open to all levels, Youth and beginners are welcomed, along with teachers or leaders seeking to enhance their teaching tools and repertoires. Seated versions and adaptations are offered as part of the workshop for those who would appreciate the option.

In environments where resources are scarce, perseverance and discipline are key to success. Drills for Skills focuses on honing fundamental drumming techniques—timing, sticking, bachi control, and coordination—through structured, repetitive practice. Just as the desert demands focus and resilience, systematic drills build rhythmic vocabulary, musical flexibility, and concentration, allowing taiko players to thrive even in challenging circumstances.
This workshop will explore how to develop strong, adaptable taiko skills both individually and in group settings. By learning how to practice effectively and incorporate drills into your daily routine, you'll gain the tools to thrive in any environment, no matter how limited the resources. Whether practicing solo or as part of a group, this session will help you build the strength and precision needed to succeed under any conditions—just like life in the desert.

Prerequisite/What to bring: Bachi (shime or taiko set bachi preferred)

Foundations are the most important and most difficult aspect of learning Taiko drumming. This will take a longtime to perfect however there are many key points.
In this workshop we will learn the most important fundamentals, focusing on the three core elements of sound, movement and ensemble.
It all begins with knowing the good sound, before we can produce the good sound only then can you produce the good sound on a high-quality drum.  The compelling power of taiko comes from both the body’s physicality and the expression of emotion while playing the instrument.
Together we will learn traditional Japanese movements of cultural ceremonies and folk art/music and integrate these elements with our contemporary ideas. Through the love of and practice of taiko we can increase awareness and understanding of Japan and its people, Nikkei (of Japanese ancestry), and Asian culture as a whole.

Prerequisite/What to bring: Soft wood Bachi-sticks for Chu Daiko. Ho-Magnolia or Hinoki-Cypress

Taiko FUNdamentals is an engaging and interactive workshop that celebrates the joy of playing taiko through fun games and musical activities. Designed for youth, beginners, and educators, this session emphasizes inclusivity and adaptability for participants of all abilities, including those with mobility challenges. By fostering a playful atmosphere, the workshop aims to create a welcoming space where everyone can thrive in their musical journey.

Key objectives include enhancing musical skills through engaging games and classic Taiko Together pieces, such as "Aisatsu Song" and "Mochi Megane," to develop ensemble listening skills and improve rhythmic sensitivity. Participants will also have the opportunity to explore original expression through playful musical activities, experiencing firsthand what an inclusive taiko space feels like. This workshop actively combats ableism, ensuring all participants feel valued and welcomed.

In this vibrant session, attendees will engage in a variety of interactive games designed to strengthen stage presence and enhance group dynamics. Adaptations will be provided to ensure everyone can participate comfortably. Through body percussion, songs, and movement, participants will uncover their intuitive musicality, tapping into their natural abilities without pressure. Educators will leave equipped with valuable strategies to incorporate these playful elements into their teaching practices, promoting inclusivity in their classrooms and inspiring all students to express themselves musically.

Prerequisite/What to bring: Open to all levels, Youth and beginners are welcomed, along with teachers or leaders seeking to enhance their teaching tools and repertoires. Seated versions and adaptations are offered as part of the workshop for those who would appreciate the option.

With the right approach, composing can go from daunting task to flavorful expression just like A, B...A, C. Understand principles such as structure, theme, shape, and more to help you make inspired choices about bringing your artistic voice into the world.

Prerequisite/What to bring: Participants should be comfortable with basic taiko technique and with learning taiko repertoire.

Prior composition experience is NOT necessary, but can be helpful.