Do Ro Ka Ra Don Don Don
If you can say it, you can play it!
All of 2010
2010 in Review
Congratulations!
Kris and Loretta Rudzinski on the birth of their son, Noah Henry Rudzinski, on Nov. 26th!
Audrey Tuckerman on becoming an official Settlement Music School faculty member to be able to assist Kris as KyoDaiko’s substitute sensei!
KyoDaiko for year of incredible accomplishments!
New things!
New Website!!!
Thanks to Whiteboard Media’s Jacob Smith for getting Audrey set up to take over KyoDaiko’s website. Audrey’s redesign looks incredible and allows KyoDaiko to make frequent updates to keep our fans informed. It has also apparently even attracted attention from overseas! For this we say to both Jacob and Audrey... DOMO!
New T-Shirts!!!
Special thanks to Mr. Laincz (Tamiko’s talented Father-in-law) for our awesome new t-shirt design! And big thanks to Tamiko for getting the shirts turned around in time for us to debut them at the Wawa Welcome America Taste of Philly performance on June 25th! We’re looking good, KyoDaiko!!!
Workshops!
PJ and Franco of San Jose Taiko taught a fantastic workshop, teaching us how to release our ki! We did a lot of really fun activities that helped bring the group closer together and make us more aware of our bodies and the relationship between our bodies, the drum, and each other. Best of all, we learned Eijanaika, a piece that we debuted at our Spring Recital!
Kaoru Watanabe gave us our first taste of playing the fue, then taught a marathon 4-hour workshop, including warm ups, how to feel the balance of our bodies, and some history behind taiko songs commonly played in by American taiko groups. But the main focus of the workshop was about playing Miyake, Kodo-style. It was a hard workout, but every minute was worth it!
After giving his time at South Philly High School during the day, Kenny, along with his wife, Chizuko, taught KyoDaiko a great workshop, showing us proper hitting technique, about the space between us and the drum, the space between notes, and much more. And if that weren’t enough, he taught us two pieces, including one on the Odaiko, introducing the group to proper odaiko technique.
To All of You:
Domo Arigato Gozaimashita!!!
2010 Year-End Numbers:
33 performances total
16 school or kids’ event programs
9 workshops given
3 workshops attended
1 professional taiko concert produced
1 collegiate group prepped for a Kimmel Center debut
And over 46,000 people saw KyoDaiko perform in 2010!!!!
Thank you, to all who attend our performances and show your support for us! We love sharing our passion and enthusiasm for taiko with you!
Have a very Happy New Year!!!
Wharton Cultural Event
December 9th, 2010 Philadelphia, PA
A trio of Kyo Daiko members entertained the guests of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School Cultural Night. La Bateria, the school’s brazilian percussion ensemble, was also there to perform. There was quite a crowd packed into the room, trying to keep warm from the bitter cold outside. Once we could feel our fingers and toes again, we woke the room up with a brief but energetic and fun demonstration of taiko drumming!
A trio of Kyo Daiko members entertained the guests of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School Cultural Night. La Bateria, the school’s brazilian percussion ensemble, was also there to perform. There was quite a crowd packed into the room, trying to keep warm from the bitter cold outside. Once we could feel our fingers and toes again, we woke the room up with a brief but energetic and fun demonstration of taiko drumming!
Kenny Endo Concert
November 19th, 2010 Philadelphia, PA
It was such a privilege to have Kenny Endo and his ensemble perform here in Philadelphia. The amount of talent and energy blew away the audience. Miss Shoko Hikage was so graceful playing the Koto. Chizuko’s masterful agility was a beautiful compliment to the ensemble. Kaoru Watanabe enchanted the audience with his quick and nimble flute expertise. Tadayoshi Yasuda demonstrated his incredible shamisen skills. Hitoshi Hamada looked like he was having the most fun, forever smiling as he jammed on the vibraphone and other various percussion instruments. And finally, of course, Kenny Endo, the mastermind behind the whole concert was as masterful and powerful as ever. Thank you to everyone who helped make this concert a success. And a special thank you to those who came to watch the concert. It isn’t often we get someone of Kenny and his ensemble’s calibur here. It was a very special night for everyone.
It was such a privilege to have Kenny Endo and his ensemble perform here in Philadelphia. The amount of talent and energy blew away the audience. Miss Shoko Hikage was so graceful playing the Koto. Chizuko’s masterful agility was a beautiful compliment to the ensemble. Kaoru Watanabe enchanted the audience with his quick and nimble flute expertise. Tadayoshi Yasuda demonstrated his incredible shamisen skills. Hitoshi Hamada looked like he was having the most fun, forever smiling as he jammed on the vibraphone and other various percussion instruments. And finally, of course, Kenny Endo, the mastermind behind the whole concert was as masterful and powerful as ever. Thank you to everyone who helped make this concert a success. And a special thank you to those who came to watch the concert. It isn’t often we get someone of Kenny and his ensemble’s calibur here. It was a very special night for everyone.
Workshop with Kenny Endo
November 18th, 2010 Philadelphia, PA
Wow, our arms are sore!!! What a great night! We worked on improvisation, and learned two new taiko pieces. Many of us learned to play the Odaiko (the Great Drum) for the very first time. We also learned a new way to play sukeroku style. Thank you so much to Kenny and Chizuko for all of your wisdom, patience, and chocolates!!!
Wow, our arms are sore!!! What a great night! We worked on improvisation, and learned two new taiko pieces. Many of us learned to play the Odaiko (the Great Drum) for the very first time. We also learned a new way to play sukeroku style. Thank you so much to Kenny and Chizuko for all of your wisdom, patience, and chocolates!!!
Japan Day at University of Pennsylvania
November 14th, 2010, Philadelphia, PA
Despite an unfortunate wave of sudden illness among the Kyo Daiko team, the show went on!!! We performed a concert as part of the University of Pennsylvania’s Japan Day. The events of this day were meant to teach people about many aspects of Japanese Culture, from traditional garments and food, to martial arts, and of course, taiko drumming! Within the concert, we performed two interactive activities for the audience. Two little boys were particularly enthusiastic about the kiai activity!!! Overall, it was a very busy, but VERY fun day!
Despite an unfortunate wave of sudden illness among the Kyo Daiko team, the show went on!!! We performed a concert as part of the University of Pennsylvania’s Japan Day. The events of this day were meant to teach people about many aspects of Japanese Culture, from traditional garments and food, to martial arts, and of course, taiko drumming! Within the concert, we performed two interactive activities for the audience. Two little boys were particularly enthusiastic about the kiai activity!!! Overall, it was a very busy, but VERY fun day!
Alzheimer's Memory Walk
November 14th, 2010, Philadelphia, PA
A small group of KyoDaiko drummers set up at Citizen’s Bank Park. We played to help encourage people to keep going on their 5K walk around the perimeter of the property. It was inspiring to see so many people there, supporting those dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease. Many groups would stop and rest for a moment while we gave little mini concerts for them. Our drumming, along with many other performing groups there that day, helped keep the walkers’ spirits up as they completed their walk.
A small group of KyoDaiko drummers set up at Citizen’s Bank Park. We played to help encourage people to keep going on their 5K walk around the perimeter of the property. It was inspiring to see so many people there, supporting those dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease. Many groups would stop and rest for a moment while we gave little mini concerts for them. Our drumming, along with many other performing groups there that day, helped keep the walkers’ spirits up as they completed their walk.
Ithan Elementary School
Novemeber 12th, 2010, Bryn Mawr, PA
KyoDaiko was so pleased to perform at Ithan Elementary School’s Multicultural Night on November 12th. Kids and parents alike got into the interactive program, shouting kiai and clapping along with the “ji.” The sushi and delicious cupcakes also made us happy, but it was the children’s adorable questions that made us smile the most!
KyoDaiko was so pleased to perform at Ithan Elementary School’s Multicultural Night on November 12th. Kids and parents alike got into the interactive program, shouting kiai and clapping along with the “ji.” The sushi and delicious cupcakes also made us happy, but it was the children’s adorable questions that made us smile the most!
Fashion Week Performance
October 2nd, 2010 Philadelphia, PA
Kyo Daiko performed at the “Taking the Streets Fashion Show” in Germantown on Oct. 2nd. Performing during a break between catwalk shows of the latest designs for kids and adults, Kyo Daiko proved that rhythm is ALWAYS in fashion!
Kyo Daiko performed at the “Taking the Streets Fashion Show” in Germantown on Oct. 2nd. Performing during a break between catwalk shows of the latest designs for kids and adults, Kyo Daiko proved that rhythm is ALWAYS in fashion!
Kris's Children's Camp
August 10th-13th, 2010 Philadelphia, PA
August 10th through 13th, Kyo Daiko's Creative Director Kristopher Rudzinski spent 4 days working with 11 students at Shofuso Japanese and Garden. Over the span of the 4 days the students were introduced to taiko basics and learned an original composition which they
performed for family and friends on the final day of the camp.
August 10th through 13th, Kyo Daiko's Creative Director Kristopher Rudzinski spent 4 days working with 11 students at Shofuso Japanese and Garden. Over the span of the 4 days the students were introduced to taiko basics and learned an original composition which they
performed for family and friends on the final day of the camp.
Workshop with Kaoru Watanabe
August 7th, 2010 Philadelphia, PA
Kaoru Watanabe visited Philadelphia to play a concert at Shofuso, but was kind enough to teach a 5 hour marathon workshop to KyoDaiko members before his concert. It started with a small group lesson on the fue, which was KyoDaiko's first chance to learn fue. This was followed by a four hour session where Kaoru taught us some warm ups, how to feel the balance of our bodies, and some history behind taiko songs commonly played in by American taiko groups. But the main focus of the workshop was about playing Miyake, Kodo-style. We got down low, we played, we sweated, we played some more. It was a hard workout, but every minute was worth it. Thank you, Kaoru!
Kaoru Watanabe visited Philadelphia to play a concert at Shofuso, but was kind enough to teach a 5 hour marathon workshop to KyoDaiko members before his concert. It started with a small group lesson on the fue, which was KyoDaiko's first chance to learn fue. This was followed by a four hour session where Kaoru taught us some warm ups, how to feel the balance of our bodies, and some history behind taiko songs commonly played in by American taiko groups. But the main focus of the workshop was about playing Miyake, Kodo-style. We got down low, we played, we sweated, we played some more. It was a hard workout, but every minute was worth it. Thank you, Kaoru!
Tokyo Pop Filming
August 5th, 2010 Philadelphia, PA
Tokyo Pop came today to video tape us playing taiko for their travel movie! We had a lot of fun! We set up on the veranda of the Shofuso Japanese House in front of the koi pond and played our version of Eisa/Beginnings. Then we gathered inside the house for a group interview. We feel like movie stars!
Tokyo Pop came today to video tape us playing taiko for their travel movie! We had a lot of fun! We set up on the veranda of the Shofuso Japanese House in front of the koi pond and played our version of Eisa/Beginnings. Then we gathered inside the house for a group interview. We feel like movie stars!
Shofuso Camp Week 3
August 5th, 2010 Philadelphia, PA
The theme for Shofuso’s third week of the children’s camp was Karate. Their Ki was already warmed up from their Karate instructor earlier in the day. To keep the energy up, the children learned the dance and the chant to Eijanaika, a piece which was taught to Kyo Daiko by members of San Jose Taiko.
The theme for Shofuso’s third week of the children’s camp was Karate. Their Ki was already warmed up from their Karate instructor earlier in the day. To keep the energy up, the children learned the dance and the chant to Eijanaika, a piece which was taught to Kyo Daiko by members of San Jose Taiko.
Shofuso Camp Week 2
July 29th, 2010 Philadelphia, PA
Children returned for their second week of camp, celebrating different aspects of Japanese Culture. This week, the theme was Tea Ceremony. We enjoyed a slow, quiet day while sitting on the veranda of the Shofuso Japanese House. The children learned the lyrics to Sakura Sakura as a misty rain fell quietly outside.
Children returned for their second week of camp, celebrating different aspects of Japanese Culture. This week, the theme was Tea Ceremony. We enjoyed a slow, quiet day while sitting on the veranda of the Shofuso Japanese House. The children learned the lyrics to Sakura Sakura as a misty rain fell quietly outside.
Shofuso Camp Week 1
July 22nd, 2010 Philadelphia, PA
Today was our first week working with the children at Shofuso’s summer children’s camp. Every year Shofuso holds these summer camps for kids to have fun while learning about different aspects of Japanese culture.
Today was our first week working with the children at Shofuso’s summer children’s camp. Every year Shofuso holds these summer camps for kids to have fun while learning about different aspects of Japanese culture.
4th of July
July 4th, 2010 Philadelphia, PA
Philly knows how to throw a party and KyoDaiko was there on July 4th for the Wawa Welcome America Party on the Parkway. The Ben Franklin Parkway was blistering hot, but that didn't stop us from drumming our hearts out! KyoDaiko got the crowd involved with a couple of audience participation activities and nothing makes us smile more than seeing people really get into it!
Philly knows how to throw a party and KyoDaiko was there on July 4th for the Wawa Welcome America Party on the Parkway. The Ben Franklin Parkway was blistering hot, but that didn't stop us from drumming our hearts out! KyoDaiko got the crowd involved with a couple of audience participation activities and nothing makes us smile more than seeing people really get into it!
Wawa Taste of Philly
June 25th, 2010 Philadelphia, PA
The Penn's Landing crowd at the Wawa Welcome America Taste of Philly event on June 25 shouted, clapped and moved to KyoDaiko's groove. It was KyoDaiko's first try at a new interactive activity where we got the audience to clap the "ji" beat with us and this receptive group really got into it. KyoDaiko loves crowds like this - another reminder of why we LOVE this city of ours!
The Penn's Landing crowd at the Wawa Welcome America Taste of Philly event on June 25 shouted, clapped and moved to KyoDaiko's groove. It was KyoDaiko's first try at a new interactive activity where we got the audience to clap the "ji" beat with us and this receptive group really got into it. KyoDaiko loves crowds like this - another reminder of why we LOVE this city of ours!
Introductory Workshop
June 20th, 2010 Philadelphia, PA
Nine taiko newbies joined the Introduction to Taiko Drumming Workshop taught by Kris Rudzinski, KyoDaiko Creative Director, on Sunday, June 20. Kris showed them the basics of handling the "bachi" drumsticks, stance and strike technique, then the group learned a brand new practice piece. It was truly a friends and family event with brother-sister, mother-daughter, mother-son pairs and friends signing up to learn together!
Nine taiko newbies joined the Introduction to Taiko Drumming Workshop taught by Kris Rudzinski, KyoDaiko Creative Director, on Sunday, June 20. Kris showed them the basics of handling the "bachi" drumsticks, stance and strike technique, then the group learned a brand new practice piece. It was truly a friends and family event with brother-sister, mother-daughter, mother-son pairs and friends signing up to learn together!
YMCA Youth Workshop
June 12th, 2010 Medford, NJ
KyoDaiko pulled double duty on June 12, leading workshops for campers in Medford and then doing two performances. This was all part of Camp FCC, a summer camp for families with children adopted from China. It was great fun, but REALLY hot, so the drummers cooled off with a stop at a Rita's Water Ice stand on the way home!
KyoDaiko pulled double duty on June 12, leading workshops for campers in Medford and then doing two performances. This was all part of Camp FCC, a summer camp for families with children adopted from China. It was great fun, but REALLY hot, so the drummers cooled off with a stop at a Rita's Water Ice stand on the way home!
Settlement Open House
June 5th, 2010 Philadelphia, PA
KyoDaiko was in the house for Settlement Music School’s Open House on Saturday, June 5. We played some pieces for a great audience, including one little 3 year old boy who has definitely got some taiko in his future! It was great sharing what we do with the Settlement community!
KyoDaiko was in the house for Settlement Music School’s Open House on Saturday, June 5. We played some pieces for a great audience, including one little 3 year old boy who has definitely got some taiko in his future! It was great sharing what we do with the Settlement community!
Kyo Daiko Recital
June 4th, 2010 Philadelphia, PA
Thank you to all three of Kyo Daiko’s classes for all of your hard work this year. There were new pieces, there were old pieces, and new twists on some old favorites! The room was full of energy as we showcased our work to our friends, family, and the public. Keep up the great work! We can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us!
Thank you to all three of Kyo Daiko’s classes for all of your hard work this year. There were new pieces, there were old pieces, and new twists on some old favorites! The room was full of energy as we showcased our work to our friends, family, and the public. Keep up the great work! We can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us!
Wedding Performance
May 29th, 2010 Camden Aquarium, NJ
KyoDaiko performed at a wedding reception in Currents Ballroom at the Camden Aquarium on May 29. One wall of the ballroom looked in on a floor to ceiling shark tank. This was definitely the first time KyoDaiko has performed for sharks! The human guests seemed to enjoy the show as well!
KyoDaiko performed at a wedding reception in Currents Ballroom at the Camden Aquarium on May 29. One wall of the ballroom looked in on a floor to ceiling shark tank. This was definitely the first time KyoDaiko has performed for sharks! The human guests seemed to enjoy the show as well!
Phillies Pre-Game Show
May 3rd, 2010 Philadelphia, PA
After yesterday’s Ki workshop with San Jose taiko we were ready to unleash some stadium sized Ki! The Phillies were having an Asian Pacific heritage celebration and asked us to be a part of the show. We felt like super stars being “behind the scenes” at the game! We met the Philly Phanatic and even had our own locker room! It was exciting performing on the field and being up on the big screen! Hey, did we mention it was Dollar Dog night?
After yesterday’s Ki workshop with San Jose taiko we were ready to unleash some stadium sized Ki! The Phillies were having an Asian Pacific heritage celebration and asked us to be a part of the show. We felt like super stars being “behind the scenes” at the game! We met the Philly Phanatic and even had our own locker room! It was exciting performing on the field and being up on the big screen! Hey, did we mention it was Dollar Dog night?
San Jose Taiko Workshop
May 2nd, 2010 Philadelphia, PA
Thanks so much to PJ and Franco of San Jose taiko for coming out and working with us! They taught us how to release our Ki! We did a lot of really fun activities that helped bring the group closer together and make us more aware of our bodies and the relationship between our bodies and drum. We even learned a new piece which we can’t wait to share with you!
Thanks so much to PJ and Franco of San Jose taiko for coming out and working with us! They taught us how to release our Ki! We did a lot of really fun activities that helped bring the group closer together and make us more aware of our bodies and the relationship between our bodies and drum. We even learned a new piece which we can’t wait to share with you!
Creative Living Room Workshop
April 17th, 2010 Swarthmore, PA
KyoDaiko performed on Saturday, April 17 at The Creative Living Room in Swarthmore as part of their Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival. This family friendly event featured koto music, traditional Japanese “kamishibai” storytelling, origami, and of course, taiko! KyoDaiko performed pieces, talked to the children about the drums and how taiko drumming is used in Japanese festivals, then got the crowd to participate by shouting “kiai” with the performers. Curious future taiko drummers then stepped up to try their hand at playing the big drums!
KyoDaiko performed on Saturday, April 17 at The Creative Living Room in Swarthmore as part of their Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival. This family friendly event featured koto music, traditional Japanese “kamishibai” storytelling, origami, and of course, taiko! KyoDaiko performed pieces, talked to the children about the drums and how taiko drumming is used in Japanese festivals, then got the crowd to participate by shouting “kiai” with the performers. Curious future taiko drummers then stepped up to try their hand at playing the big drums!
Cherry Blossom Festival
March 28th, 2010 Washington DC
Kyo Daiko was very excited to be invited to play at the Washington DC Cherry Blossom Festival this year! We performed on a stage in front of the Washington Monument. The audience was relaxed on the lawn in front of us, enjoying the view of the beautiful cherry blossoms. Once we started playing, the crowd nearly tripled! It was a very exciting road trip for us and we can’t wait to be able to do it again!
Kyo Daiko was very excited to be invited to play at the Washington DC Cherry Blossom Festival this year! We performed on a stage in front of the Washington Monument. The audience was relaxed on the lawn in front of us, enjoying the view of the beautiful cherry blossoms. Once we started playing, the crowd nearly tripled! It was a very exciting road trip for us and we can’t wait to be able to do it again!