Vancouver Miyake Taiko Workshop

Miyake-Jima Geino Doushi-Kai Taiko Drumming Workshops in Vancouver, Canada takes place April 27 - 28, 2024 at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Led by guest teachers: Kazuhiro Tsumura & Haruyoshi Tsumura. Thanks to UBC Department of Ethnomusicology for their support.

Workshop Description

There will be 2 x Short (2-hour) workshops, one on each day, and 1 x Intensive (10-hour) workshop split up over 3 sessions across both days (see the Agenda on the Eventbrite page). The Short workshops may be suitable for beginners or as a refresher for those who have previously studied the Miyake form. The Intensive workshop features advanced techniques, kiyari (the chant), and Kagura (shinto ceremonial) version. Beginners to taiko may join the intensive workshop. The workshop instruction will be conducted in Japanese, but translation services will be provided.

Venue

All workshops and sign-in will occur at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Asian Centre Building - Music Studio (Room 105) - see map

Registration*

Individual workshop registration can be made on our EVENTBRITE page. All fees are in CAD and do not include Eventbrite service fees.

  • Short Workshops - Regular price $65
  • Intensive Workshop - Regular price $330.
  • Combo Workshop - Regular price $380. Save $15!

*You will be asked to sign a waiver form before participating in any of the workshops.

Bachi / Drumstick Add-Ons

We will bring the various bachi (rentals, standard, and engraved logo) to the workshop venue. The usual #8 bachi that is often used in taiko ensembles is different from a Miyake bachi, which is larger, lighter, and tapered . Rental bachi are $5 for the duration of the workshops, the standard Miyake bachi for sale is $40, and the engraved logo Miyake bachi for sale is $70. You can add on your bachi choice at time of registration.

Organizer

Noriko Kim Kobayashi (canadamiyaketaiko@gmail.com) of Canada Miyake Taiko Kai is the volunteer coordinator of the workshops.

** For more information or to register, please visit our EVENTBRITE page **

Annual Sanshin Day 三線の日 2024

The 3rd Annual Sanshin Day is back! This year’s Sanshin Day, a special guest Hitoshi Kiyomura (Sanshin craftsman & musician from Tarama Island) will demonstrate Sanshin making, a short workshop, and performance. Registration is required as limited space. $25/person.

Monday March 4, 2024, 7pm – 9pm
Nikei National Museum & Cultural Centre
Burnaby, 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, BC V5E 4M7, Canada

RSVP

Rakuichi Mikoshi Vancouver: 20th Anniversary Event

Rakuichi Mikoshi Vancouver will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary Event at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre in Burnaby this spring! This in-person gathering promises an unforgettable experience and will culminate in a special ceremony to complete the mikoshi shrine with decorations. Discover the beauty of traditional Japanese arts and crafts, indulge in delectable cherry blossom kaseki bento box cuisine, and enjoy the fascinating musical performances that exhibit our shared history, including a performance by our very own Sansho Daiko. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a truly special occasion. Mark your calendars and join us at the Vancouver Rakuichi Mikoshi event, where tradition and celebration intertwine in an unforgettable journey of 20 glorious years!

Tickets: Adult $50.00 / Child 12 & under $25.00 (on Eventbrite)
Date: March 2, 2024 (Saturday)
Time: 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: Nikkei National Cultural Centre, 6688 Southoaks Crescent Burnaby, BC (map)
Contact: info@rakuichi.ca
Website: www.rakuichi.ca

Katari Taiko Winter/Spring Classes

Katari Taiko | 2024 WINTER-SPRING CLASSES

An eight-week course featuring hands on taiko workshops and the history of taiko in the Japanese Canadian community

Thursday evenings
February 8, 15, 22, 29 & March 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2024
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm (3 hours)

Fee: $400

Maximum 6 participants

Location: Vancouver Japanese Hall, 487 Alexander Street

Contact: diane@dkam.ca / 604-728-8240 / www.kataritaiko.bc.ca

Goals: To learn fundamental taiko drumming techniques and rhythms; and to explore the context of taiko as a performing art within the Japanese Canadian community and North America. No previous experience is necessary. Must be 16 years of age or older.

What you will do:

• Learn body positioning and how to strike taiko drums using a balanced side stance;

• Learn fundamental techniques, form, and how to vocalize and play rhythms that are the basis of many taiko pieces;

• Learn two songs applying these techniques;

• Use kiai (shouts) to support the drumming;

• Practice basic care and maintenance of drums and other equipment;

• Gain understanding of the cultural / historical significance of taiko within the Japanese Canadian community and North America;

• Establish a strong foundation for you to apply to apprentice with Katari Taiko

Format: Each class includes: stretching, strengthening, and vocal exercises; 90-120 minutes of drumming; and a guided cool down. Towards the later half of the course, students learn to perform two pieces. Each class also introduces and has opportunity for discussion on a topic related to the history and culture of taiko in the Japanese Canadian community and North America.

Instruction: The course will be taught by members of Katari Taiko.

To register, visit http://www.kataritaiko.bc.ca and fill out the form according to the instructions.

Finding Her Beat at the Rio September 26

Special screening of the documentary feature film Finding Her Beat

Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Rio Theater. 6:30pm
Live performance by Uzume Taiko

Buy tickets
Film website

Film trailer

About the Film

In the midst of a frozen Minnesota winter, a Japanese drum master and Korean adoptee from North Dakota join forces to assemble the world’s best Taiko drummers in a bold effort to claim a spotlight that has historically been reserved only for men.

Their rhythm revolution includes rock stars from the world of taiko: Tiffany Tamaribuchi, Kaoly Asano, Chieko Kojima, Megan Chao-Smith, and Jennifer Weir, and many more.

Through grueling rehearsals, Jennifer weaves together their disparate voices and styles. Vulnerability, pain, and joys are shared—and we quickly see the bonds of friendship form as these talented women navigate their way through differences in culture, age, language, and performing styles.

As the clock ticks toward their first performance, it becomes clear that their story has become much larger than Taiko. Buoyed by dynamic drum performances and do-or-die spirit, Finding Her Beat is an energizing and uplifting story of music, culture, and sisterhood.


What people are saying

“speaks directly to Asian American girls and the power of their dreams”

“is the best documentary feature film I’ve seen in years”

“mirrors and reflects our values and mission”

“is an uplifting film that celebrates AAPI power”

“includes a queer Asian family without trauma or melodrama”

Katari Taiko Fall Classes

Katari Taiko | 2023 FALL CLASSES

An eight-week course featuring hands on taiko workshops and the history of taiko in the Japanese Canadian community

Thursday evenings
September 21 & 28, October 5, 12, 19 & 26 and November 2 & 9, 2023
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm (3 hours)

Fee: $400

Maximum 6 participants

Location: Vancouver Japanese Hall, 487 Alexander Street

Contact: diane@dkam.ca / 604-728-8240 / www.kataritaiko.bc.ca

Goals: To learn fundamental taiko drumming techniques and rhythms; and to explore the context of taiko as a performing art within the Japanese Canadian community and North America. No previous experience is necessary. Must be 16 years of age or older.

What you will do:

• Learn body positioning and how to strike taiko drums using a balanced side stance;

• Learn fundamental techniques, form, and how to vocalize and play rhythms that are the basis of many taiko pieces;

• Learn two songs applying these techniques;

• Use kiai (shouts) to support the drumming;

• Practice basic care and maintenance of drums and other equipment;

• Gain understanding of the cultural / historical significance of taiko within the Japanese Canadian community and North America;

• Establish a strong foundation for you to apply to apprentice with Katari Taiko

Format: Each class includes: stretching, strengthening, and vocal exercises; 90-120 minutes of drumming; and a guided cool down. Towards the later half of the course, students learn to perform two pieces. Each class also introduces and has opportunity for discussion on a topic related to the history and culture of taiko in the Japanese Canadian community and North America.

Instruction: The course will be taught by members of Katari Taiko. 

To register, visit http://www.kataritaiko.bc.ca and fill out the form according to the instructions.

Uzume Taiko presents: Intimate Portraits

Uzume Taiko & Friends celebrate Asian Heritage Month with a series of specially-filmed performances and collaborations! The artists are available by live chat during the Premiere “Intimate Portraits” performances.
ALL ONLINE EVENTS START AT 8pm PST / 11pm EST
Premiere Virtual Concert Event 1:  MAY 1 – Uzume Taiko + Orchid Ensemble
The 60-minute Events capture the artists up close and personal in the intimate Taiko Studio setting. Join us for a potpourri of powerful drum beats and beautiful melodies.

Reserve a Seat


UPCOMING ONLINE EVENTS: Intimate Portraits

Premiere Virtual Concert Event 2: MAY 29 Uzume Taiko + Silk Road Music + Lorita Leung Dance Company
Premiere Virtual Concert Event  3: JULY 10 Uzume Taiko + Tetsu Taiko + Uzume Taiko Community Players

Canada-Wide Paueru Mashup

Contemporary Community Dance for Celebrating Japanese Culture

Greetings,

Courtesy of the 45th Powell Street Festival, I would like to  invite everyone  across the country to learn the Paueru Mashup, a taiko flashmob work that encapsulates the festival! It’s a community dance that we can all learn and perform together one day! Learn the dance and videotape yourself, then we will edit everyone into a video that will premiere at this year's Festival. Lessons run from Thursday, April 22 to May 27, 5 - 6PM PDT

Book your free lesson online at Eventbrite

Eventbrite link for lessons

About Paueru Mashup

Itching to move your body? Learn the Paueru Mashup, a taiko flashmob (inspired by Le Grand Continental) community dance drawing on elements of Radio Taiso and Tanko Bushi, with a soundscape of sumo, omikoshi,  martial arts, taiko, and Godzilla - a sonic mosaic of Powell Street Festival !

Commissioned by the Powell Street Festival Society with music created by Onibana Taiko and movements by Company 605, this high-energy dance is accessible for all ages and abilities across the country.  .No dance experience necessary! We'll have skilled dance instructors walking you through the movements as you learn from the comfort of your own home.These are iterative lessons, so we encourage you to sign up for all the lessons so you can learn a new portion of the dance each week.   Follow up projects include a live performance and video, so let’s dance!

More  Mashup videos from last year and info found on the Powell Street Festival site.

Please feel free to contact me at this email address (kimkob3@gmail.com) with your questions and stay safe.

Thank you for your attention.

Noriko Kobayashi

VTS AGM

Vancouver Taiko Society
Annual General Meeting
Monday, July 27, 2020, 7 pm

Katari Taiko Public Workshop

THREE HOUR EVENING WORKSHOP: Tuesday, February 11, 2020  6:30-9:30 pm
Learn about fundamental taiko drumming techniques and rhythms and explore the context of taiko as a performing art within the Japanese Canadian community in this three-hour, hands-on evening workshop. No previous experience is necessary.


Venue: Vancouver Japanese Hall, 487 Alexander Street
Fee: $40 general or $30 for students/ seniors/ underemployed. Participants must be a minimum of 16 years of age.
Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring soft-soled indoor athletic footwear.


Please call 604-728-8240 before sending the registration form and payment to Katari Taiko to:
Katari Taiko Workshop Registration
#410 – 111 Hastings Street West, Vancouver, BC V6B 1H4
E-mail: diane@dkam.ca; www.kataritaiko.bc.ca
Applicants will be accepted on a first come, first served basis to a maximum of 15. Registration will be confirmed after the fee is paid.


Please Become A Member!
Katari Taiko Drum Group Association is a non-profit society dedicated to educating Canadians about the history, art and performance of traditional and contemporary taiko music (Japanese drumming). Your membership shows your support for the work of Katari Taiko. You will receive news and notices of upcoming performances and the annual general meeting.

 

Posts Navigation