Do Ro Ka Ra Don Don Don
If you can say it, you can play it!
All of 2012
Healing Beats
November 10th, 2012 Philadelphia, PA
Dear friends,
I'm sorry I'm communicating so late, but this is how long it has taken me to navigate all my English and Spanish dictionaries looking for the words to describe how I feel after Healing Beats ;)
It was AMAZING!! And what a turn out!! It was a treat to share with you one of my biggest loves, drumming. I hope you felt as uplifted and energized as I still do a week later.
Thank you very much to all who worked so hard in making it happen, played and supported in person and from afar. I loved seeing all of you. I am drenched in gratitude, love and the healing energy you brought to the room.
Hugs and a very Happy Thanksgiving,
Ana
Dear friends,
I'm sorry I'm communicating so late, but this is how long it has taken me to navigate all my English and Spanish dictionaries looking for the words to describe how I feel after Healing Beats ;)
It was AMAZING!! And what a turn out!! It was a treat to share with you one of my biggest loves, drumming. I hope you felt as uplifted and energized as I still do a week later.
Thank you very much to all who worked so hard in making it happen, played and supported in person and from afar. I loved seeing all of you. I am drenched in gratitude, love and the healing energy you brought to the room.
Hugs and a very Happy Thanksgiving,
Ana
Kuromori Kagura
November 2nd, 2012 Philadelphia, PA
We took a field trip over to the Philadelphia Art Museum this evening! In our most recent rehearsal with Kaoru Watanabe, we focused a lot on body movement. So when we heard that the Kuromori Kagura dancers from the Tohoku Region of Japan were coming, we thought we would take a little field trip for some observational study!
We took a field trip over to the Philadelphia Art Museum this evening! In our most recent rehearsal with Kaoru Watanabe, we focused a lot on body movement. So when we heard that the Kuromori Kagura dancers from the Tohoku Region of Japan were coming, we thought we would take a little field trip for some observational study!
Otsukimi
September 29th, 2012, Philadelphia, PA
What a fantastic weekend at Shofuso Japanese House and Garden in Fairmount Park! Vinnie was teaching us how to make origami bunnies and boats and stars. There was a dango making workshop. There were tea ceremonies performed. And of course, the beautiful Moon Viewing Party complete with taiko drumming! We were so happy that the moon came out in the evening from behind its cloudy hiding place! Thank you, moon!
What a fantastic weekend at Shofuso Japanese House and Garden in Fairmount Park! Vinnie was teaching us how to make origami bunnies and boats and stars. There was a dango making workshop. There were tea ceremonies performed. And of course, the beautiful Moon Viewing Party complete with taiko drumming! We were so happy that the moon came out in the evening from behind its cloudy hiding place! Thank you, moon!
West Pikeland
September 23rd, 2012, Chester Springs, PA
We are sweaty, tired, and happy after our full concert at the West Pikeland Cultural Center in Chester Springs. The theater was beautiful, and we played against a background of natural wooded area and blue skies. How many audience members did it take to match the powerful voice of Kyodaiko member, Paul? Was five the answer?
We are sweaty, tired, and happy after our full concert at the West Pikeland Cultural Center in Chester Springs. The theater was beautiful, and we played against a background of natural wooded area and blue skies. How many audience members did it take to match the powerful voice of Kyodaiko member, Paul? Was five the answer?
Heritage of Green Hills
September 8th, 2012, Reading, PA
The powerful sounds of taiko weren’t too loud for this deceptively spry audience at Heritage of Green Hills retirement center in Reading, PA! We performed for them and taught them about taiko, and in turn, they played for us!!!
Southern Berks News wrote a lovely write up for this event which you can read here!
The powerful sounds of taiko weren’t too loud for this deceptively spry audience at Heritage of Green Hills retirement center in Reading, PA! We performed for them and taught them about taiko, and in turn, they played for us!!!
Southern Berks News wrote a lovely write up for this event which you can read here!
Rehearsal with Kaoru
August 25th, 2012, Philadelphia, PA
We had another rehearsal with Kaoru Watanabe today! We worked on cleaning the different sections of Hiraki we have learned. The highlight of this rehearsal was brainstorming so many different ideas for the rest of the project for April’s PIFA performance. All of the Kyodaiko members had so many fantastically creative ideas! We can’t wait to see what manifests for the project!
We had another rehearsal with Kaoru Watanabe today! We worked on cleaning the different sections of Hiraki we have learned. The highlight of this rehearsal was brainstorming so many different ideas for the rest of the project for April’s PIFA performance. All of the Kyodaiko members had so many fantastically creative ideas! We can’t wait to see what manifests for the project!
National Geographic
June 24th, 2012 Washington, DC
The court yard of the National Geographic Museum was the cool place to hang in today’s heat! Kyodaiko set the tone for National Geographic’s “Samurai: The Warrior Transformed” exhibit in Washington, DC.
The court yard of the National Geographic Museum was the cool place to hang in today’s heat! Kyodaiko set the tone for National Geographic’s “Samurai: The Warrior Transformed” exhibit in Washington, DC.
Malacologists' Reception
June 19th, 2012 Philadelphia, PA
What happens when you combine a fun filled taiko group with a group of scientists who play seashells? Why only the coolest of malacology receptions, of course! The sound of our drums rattled even more than just the actual dinosaur bones mounted around the museum!
What happens when you combine a fun filled taiko group with a group of scientists who play seashells? Why only the coolest of malacology receptions, of course! The sound of our drums rattled even more than just the actual dinosaur bones mounted around the museum!
3rd Annual Recital
June 15th, 2012 Philadelphia, PA
Students of Kyodaiko, both returning and new, got to show off their newfound taiko skills at the 3rd Annual Year End Recital! Lots of new repertoire was presented this year and students worked extra hard to pull off an energetic and clean performance! Many thanks to everyone for their super hard work and special thanks to the following people: June for providing the fun backdrop, Therese for keeping everyone organized, Art and Tom for keeping our equipment in check, and Tamiko for outfitting our costumes.
Students of Kyodaiko, both returning and new, got to show off their newfound taiko skills at the 3rd Annual Year End Recital! Lots of new repertoire was presented this year and students worked extra hard to pull off an energetic and clean performance! Many thanks to everyone for their super hard work and special thanks to the following people: June for providing the fun backdrop, Therese for keeping everyone organized, Art and Tom for keeping our equipment in check, and Tamiko for outfitting our costumes.
City Hall Presents
June 6th, 2012 Philadelphia, PA
The booming sound of the drums echoed off the walls in the courtyard of Philadelphia’s City Hall. Kyo Daiko shared the stage with Timbalona Y Su Bomba and Troupe Da-Da. Each group played their own set during the concert, but cross collaboration was inevitable as each groups’ rhythms moved the others to get up and dance! And if that was fun enough, how about Ana’s epic bachi break on the very last note of the whole concert, giving way to her new nickname: Ana the Bachi Bain!
The booming sound of the drums echoed off the walls in the courtyard of Philadelphia’s City Hall. Kyo Daiko shared the stage with Timbalona Y Su Bomba and Troupe Da-Da. Each group played their own set during the concert, but cross collaboration was inevitable as each groups’ rhythms moved the others to get up and dance! And if that was fun enough, how about Ana’s epic bachi break on the very last note of the whole concert, giving way to her new nickname: Ana the Bachi Bain!
Friends Central 2012
June 5th, 2012 Wynnewood, PA
There’s nothing quite like a few good kiai and hand clapping activities to wake up a group of sleepy 5th, 6th, and 7th graders!
Kyo Daiko took the stage at Friend’s Central to help educate students about Japanese Culture for their Diversity Day.
There’s nothing quite like a few good kiai and hand clapping activities to wake up a group of sleepy 5th, 6th, and 7th graders!
Kyo Daiko took the stage at Friend’s Central to help educate students about Japanese Culture for their Diversity Day.
Downingtown HS Diversity Day
May 24th, 2012 Downingtown, PA
The students of Downingtown High School celebrated diversity at their school today. They have chosen to help represent Japan through the use of taiko drumming! Kyodaiko had the privilege to both perform and teach today to wonderfully enthusiastic students! Many thanks to Kyodaiko member, Tom, for coordinating the event. Also, many thanks to one of Kyodaiko’s newest members, Zola, for providing such wonderful pictures!
NOW EVERYONE QUIET!!!! THIS IS A LIBRARY!!!!!
The students of Downingtown High School celebrated diversity at their school today. They have chosen to help represent Japan through the use of taiko drumming! Kyodaiko had the privilege to both perform and teach today to wonderfully enthusiastic students! Many thanks to Kyodaiko member, Tom, for coordinating the event. Also, many thanks to one of Kyodaiko’s newest members, Zola, for providing such wonderful pictures!
NOW EVERYONE QUIET!!!! THIS IS A LIBRARY!!!!!
Zenkaikon
May 12th, 2012 Oaks, PA
Another fun “Mufti” gig, as Therese calls them. We had a great time playing taiko, dancing, and chanting. As always, with these types of events, its difficult not to get lost in a sea of anime characters! Who is your favorite?
Another fun “Mufti” gig, as Therese calls them. We had a great time playing taiko, dancing, and chanting. As always, with these types of events, its difficult not to get lost in a sea of anime characters! Who is your favorite?
Sakura Sunday
April 15th, 2012, Philadelphia, PA
We couldn’t have picked a more beautiful day for a festival! The sun was out. It was warm. The spring flowers smelled so sweet. And there were SOOOO many people! We didn’t play today, but we got to enjoy our home’s Cherry Blossom Festival. There was great food, fantastic entertainment (featuring Tamagawa Taiko), and plenty of festivities. Picnics dotted the lawn of the horticultural center as we put up our feet and relaxed.... almost. We spent the day meeting new faces (and reconnecting with familiar ones... HI TIM!!!). If you saw us on Sakura Sunday, it was a pleasure to meet you and we hope to see you again soon!!!
We couldn’t have picked a more beautiful day for a festival! The sun was out. It was warm. The spring flowers smelled so sweet. And there were SOOOO many people! We didn’t play today, but we got to enjoy our home’s Cherry Blossom Festival. There was great food, fantastic entertainment (featuring Tamagawa Taiko), and plenty of festivities. Picnics dotted the lawn of the horticultural center as we put up our feet and relaxed.... almost. We spent the day meeting new faces (and reconnecting with familiar ones... HI TIM!!!). If you saw us on Sakura Sunday, it was a pleasure to meet you and we hope to see you again soon!!!
Morris Arboretum Cherry Blossom Festival
April 14th, 2012, Philadelphia, PA
So many Cherry Blossom Festivals, so little time! We are so lucky to be invited to so many! Today we celebrated the beautiful sakura blossoms at the beautiful Morris Arboretum! Who are those cuties in this tree???
So many Cherry Blossom Festivals, so little time! We are so lucky to be invited to so many! Today we celebrated the beautiful sakura blossoms at the beautiful Morris Arboretum! Who are those cuties in this tree???
Taiko Project Workshop
April 3rd, 2012, Philadelphia, PA
Many thanks to Maz and Jen from Taiko Project, for coming out and helping us build “our taiko vocabulary.” We learned exercises to give us more options for movement and learned how to build rhythms. We can’t wait to apply our new ideas to some improvised solos!
Many thanks to Maz and Jen from Taiko Project, for coming out and helping us build “our taiko vocabulary.” We learned exercises to give us more options for movement and learned how to build rhythms. We can’t wait to apply our new ideas to some improvised solos!
National Cherry Blossom Festival
March 31st, 2012, Washington, DC
After our morning at the Horticultural Center, we packed up the drums in the van and headed on down to our nation’s capitol! Unfortunately, the absurdly warm weather caused the blossoms to bloom early this year. But there were still some left to appreciate throughout the city. Once again, the sound of taiko drums chased away the cloudy sky just long enough for a fun filled performance, including the debut of our director, Kris’s, new arrangement of a piece taught to us by Kenny Endo! We were very excited to share our new favorite piece with everyone.
After our morning at the Horticultural Center, we packed up the drums in the van and headed on down to our nation’s capitol! Unfortunately, the absurdly warm weather caused the blossoms to bloom early this year. But there were still some left to appreciate throughout the city. Once again, the sound of taiko drums chased away the cloudy sky just long enough for a fun filled performance, including the debut of our director, Kris’s, new arrangement of a piece taught to us by Kenny Endo! We were very excited to share our new favorite piece with everyone.
Sakura Pavillion Grand Opening
March 31st, 2012, Philadelphia, PA
KyoDaiko chased the rain away on the chilly morning of the Sakura Pavilion Grand Opening in Fairmount Park. Onlookers had a chance to try the drums, including the littlest (and hands down cutest!) member of the audience - a little boy, all dressed up in his own little happi coat. The opening of the Sakura Pavilion is a huge moment in the history of the Shofuso Japanese House & Garden, so we were so excited to be able to be a part of it all.
KyoDaiko chased the rain away on the chilly morning of the Sakura Pavilion Grand Opening in Fairmount Park. Onlookers had a chance to try the drums, including the littlest (and hands down cutest!) member of the audience - a little boy, all dressed up in his own little happi coat. The opening of the Sakura Pavilion is a huge moment in the history of the Shofuso Japanese House & Garden, so we were so excited to be able to be a part of it all.
Kensington Crest Preschool Assembly
March 22nd, 2012, Philadelphia, PA
School assemblies are always fun, but they’re even better when you get feedback from the kids! This particular group of preschoolers drew us pictures and wrote us letters about what they liked about the taiko drums! Here are some of their comments:
- A drum with a shark with to play with it.
- My favorite part was the drums. the drums were awesome.
- My favorite part was when the teachers were dancing.
- My favorite part was the drummer. I want to give a flowers to her.
- They drummed "Boom Boom" and they had funny black super Ninja shoes. " Ha-ha" "Sore-sore" they danced.
- "Oh, they loud!" They play music.
- They help each other, they shout to each other and bend!
- They play because they are happy when they play.
School assemblies are always fun, but they’re even better when you get feedback from the kids! This particular group of preschoolers drew us pictures and wrote us letters about what they liked about the taiko drums! Here are some of their comments:
- A drum with a shark with to play with it.
- My favorite part was the drums. the drums were awesome.
- My favorite part was when the teachers were dancing.
- My favorite part was the drummer. I want to give a flowers to her.
- They drummed "Boom Boom" and they had funny black super Ninja shoes. " Ha-ha" "Sore-sore" they danced.
- "Oh, they loud!" They play music.
- They help each other, they shout to each other and bend!
- They play because they are happy when they play.
NBC Filming
February 17th, 2012, Philadelphia, PA
Kyo Daiko had a lot of fun filming for a segment on NBC’s The 10 Show! The topic of the segment was Alternate Forms of Fitness. They were exploring ways to get some exercise while having too much fun to realize how much of a work out you are getting. Sounds like taiko certainly fits the bill! Between the cardio and isometrics, you are building up strength and stamina, but having so much fun playing the music, that you don’t even realize how much work your body is putting into it! After the filming, Stacey Stauffer, the reporter, stayed for a bit and let director Kris Rudzinski teach her some taiko. Her and Kris jammed for a bit while Kyo Daiko members watched, clapped, and cheered her on!
To view the segment aired on Feb. 17th, click here!
Kyo Daiko had a lot of fun filming for a segment on NBC’s The 10 Show! The topic of the segment was Alternate Forms of Fitness. They were exploring ways to get some exercise while having too much fun to realize how much of a work out you are getting. Sounds like taiko certainly fits the bill! Between the cardio and isometrics, you are building up strength and stamina, but having so much fun playing the music, that you don’t even realize how much work your body is putting into it! After the filming, Stacey Stauffer, the reporter, stayed for a bit and let director Kris Rudzinski teach her some taiko. Her and Kris jammed for a bit while Kyo Daiko members watched, clapped, and cheered her on!
To view the segment aired on Feb. 17th, click here!
Plymouth Meeting Friends School
February 3rd, 2012, Plymouth Meeting, PA
Oni wa~ soto! Fuku wa~ uchi!
The young students at Plymouth Meeting Friends School have been learning about Asian cultures. They greeted us “Konnichiwa~” and showed us the origami Oni they made for Setsubun! Some students were mimicking our motions as we played through our pieces and they LOVED participating with Kiai! You could feel their voices echo in the auditorium.
Oni wa~ soto! Fuku wa~ uchi!
The young students at Plymouth Meeting Friends School have been learning about Asian cultures. They greeted us “Konnichiwa~” and showed us the origami Oni they made for Setsubun! Some students were mimicking our motions as we played through our pieces and they LOVED participating with Kiai! You could feel their voices echo in the auditorium.
Book Signing
January 31st, 2012, Villanova, PA
A surprising DON from the drum woke up the approximate 200 audience members at today’s book signing event. A few people in the front row ended up moving back a few rows! Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet is Jamie Ford’s debut as an author. Playing taiko at this event helped bring to life the representation of Japanese Americans in the book. To learn more about Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, visit Jamie Ford’s website.
A surprising DON from the drum woke up the approximate 200 audience members at today’s book signing event. A few people in the front row ended up moving back a few rows! Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet is Jamie Ford’s debut as an author. Playing taiko at this event helped bring to life the representation of Japanese Americans in the book. To learn more about Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, visit Jamie Ford’s website.
JAGP New Year's Party
January 8th, 2012, Philadelphia, PA
This year, at one of our favorite events of the year, we welcomed the Year of the Dragon! The usual events were in place for the entertainment including a chorale, our Lion Dancer friend, and a children’s choir. The food was fantastic as always. There was sake tasting, and even takoyaki tasting! Every time Kyo Daiko member, Audrey, went to taste the takoyaki, it was all eaten! So popular! But thanks to fellow taiko member, Kazumi, Audrey managed to finally savor the super tasty takoyaki!
This year, at one of our favorite events of the year, we welcomed the Year of the Dragon! The usual events were in place for the entertainment including a chorale, our Lion Dancer friend, and a children’s choir. The food was fantastic as always. There was sake tasting, and even takoyaki tasting! Every time Kyo Daiko member, Audrey, went to taste the takoyaki, it was all eaten! So popular! But thanks to fellow taiko member, Kazumi, Audrey managed to finally savor the super tasty takoyaki!
Kotoricon
January 7th, 2012, Sewell, NJ
Edward Elrich, Light Yagami, and Vash were among the many celebrities in attendance at today’s performance. That’s right, it’s another anime convention! We couldn’t resist the temptation to join in with the cosplay while guests celebrated modern japanese culture. There were screenings of recommended shows, light saber demonstrations, and of course a bustling market place filled with paraphernalia from fan’s favorite animes.
Edward Elrich, Light Yagami, and Vash were among the many celebrities in attendance at today’s performance. That’s right, it’s another anime convention! We couldn’t resist the temptation to join in with the cosplay while guests celebrated modern japanese culture. There were screenings of recommended shows, light saber demonstrations, and of course a bustling market place filled with paraphernalia from fan’s favorite animes.
JACL New Year's Party
January 7th, 2012, Moorestown, NJ
Members of the Japanese American Citizen’s League gathered at Moorestown Friends School to help ring in the new year. A lovely spread of delicious japanese cuisine was served as people participated in activities such as chinese auctions, live auctions, and a taiko workshop! The guests broke into three groups, and some learned how to drum, some learned a dance, and some learned to sing a song. Don’t worry... the singing wasn’t performed while the singers were still eating.
Members of the Japanese American Citizen’s League gathered at Moorestown Friends School to help ring in the new year. A lovely spread of delicious japanese cuisine was served as people participated in activities such as chinese auctions, live auctions, and a taiko workshop! The guests broke into three groups, and some learned how to drum, some learned a dance, and some learned to sing a song. Don’t worry... the singing wasn’t performed while the singers were still eating.
Mayor Nutter's Inaugural Ball
January 2nd, 2012, Philadelphia, PA
Taiko was among many art forms performing on this day to celebrate the re-inauguration of Philadelphia’s Mayor Nutter. Each performance was also representative of the many cultures that are flourishing here in our home city of Philadelphia. Even the atmosphere was spectacular both on and off the stage thanks to the fantastic decor and lighting!
Taiko was among many art forms performing on this day to celebrate the re-inauguration of Philadelphia’s Mayor Nutter. Each performance was also representative of the many cultures that are flourishing here in our home city of Philadelphia. Even the atmosphere was spectacular both on and off the stage thanks to the fantastic decor and lighting!