NATC 2025 Phoenix

Patrick Cruz (he/him) has been playing taiko since 2011 from his humble beginnings with collegiate taiko group CSUN Jishin Taiko. In 2014, he was scouted to be part of the original cast of a professional theatre troupe "BATARE" touring in numerous cities in the US. Simultaneously, he joined Makoto Taiko and became a junior instructor under the direction of Koji Nakamura, Hunter Loyd, and Akemi Imai, and was later invited to join their professional performing group. After the success of the 2022 "HAJIME" concert, Patrick was invited to be Assistant Artistic Director serving faithfully the community of Makoto Taiko. He placed 2nd in the 2023 North American Inaugural Taiko Taikai, making him the First Ever Filipino American to ever place in the history of all Taikai. The following year, He placed 1st as champion of the Advanced Division in the 2024 North American Taiko Taikai. Rooted in his degree in Kinesiology: Physical Education, Patrick is forever a student of taiko and kinesiology. His love for teaching, fitness, and all things active and artistic has made lasting impacts in his communities.