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San Jose Taiko, for those of you who are not familiar with them, is one of three West Coast professional Taiko groups here in the United States. The others are San Francisco Taiko and Taiko Project. They perform all over the United States and the world. I had the opportunity to attend their workshop last year and was 1) overjoyed to see that I was not the only over-50 year old in attendance and 2) impressed at the down-to-earth attitude and friendliness of the teachers/performers. I learned a lot and improved my style and technique quite a bit. I do have to say that it was exhausting. We practiced long hours and learned a full song in one day. It was definitely worth the time and money.
Two years ago I went to the Grass Valley Taiko Camp, which is held in the Sierra Foothills. Had a wonderful and there were a lot of workshops to choose from. The instructors were professional Taiko players: Kenny Endo, Shinichi Tanaka, Tiffany of Sacramento Taiko Don. The days were very interesting with the focus on either learning or perfecting your Taiko participation as a performer.
I worried a few years ago that I would not have the ability to play music or perform again. I used to play the viola but have lost dexterity and fine motor control in my left hand. I also have problems vocally because my left vocal cord is partially paralyzed. Don't know how or why, it just is. Taiko allows me to express myself musically and creatively! My group is called Wadaiko Newark. Most of the general and the performing group members are my age or older. There are a couple of 30+ members and we have children's and teen groups. I feel fortunate to participate in this venue. It gives me a lot of joy!
- Location:The INTERN Room
- Mood:
happy - Music:Thom Hartman
My group played four songs: Uji, Kuroshio, Matsuri, Hara Matsuri and Hireyu San Dan Gaeshi. By the time we were done, I was actually flushed! After we put the drums and equipment back into the van, some of us went to Red Robin for lunch. I admire the different items on the menu but, my goodness, it was expensive! It was 17 dollars just for my dish. I had a brie hamburger, a mango margarita and lots of water! After lunch I went home and tried to sleep for a bit. I wound up talking to a friend I hadn't heard from from about a year. After that I just dozed on and off for about three hours. I guess I was more tired that I thought. I feel a bit better now and will probably go to bed a little early - unless I see something that I like on television - a bit of mind candy.
Tomorrow, I will be more on the ball with the books. I have to have them ready to take to my friend's home. Her husband owns several bookstores and he said he would buy them from me. My taiko group will be playing for a private party tomorrow afternoon. After that, I'll travel to the Lands of the South, bringing exotic drinks to share with my fellow SF Convention buddies. We call ourselves the Polynesian Pirates of Space.
Happy Holiday!!!!
- Location:At home
- Mood:
tired - Music:Ghost Hunters!
