The Drum Gives Back

Written by Jackie Hinsey on February 20th, 2011

The artistry of Hono-O-Daiko

  Hono-O-Daiko of Japan put on an amazing performance of raw intensity, blazing speed and sheer mastery last night in Novi, MI. The four-woman group performed in conjunction with Great Lakes Taiko Center’s first anniversary celebration.

These four amazing women in their bright red gowns were nature unleased; quiet as a light rain, graceful as a gentle breeze, powerful as a thunderstorm and wild as a hurricane. No words can truly describe the experience of the vibration of the drums rumbling your entire body while the drummers are fully immersed in the union of drum and rhythm.  It was raw, intense and incredibly beautiful.  After a very powerful piece that had us on our feet in awe, Akemi Jige, founding member of Hono-O-Daiko shared “the drum gives energy back” to the performer and that exchange of energy between the living drum and the performer was evident to the audience.  Chris and I are deeply grateful that we made the trip to see them.  They have significantly changed our vision of taiko and our connection to the drum.

 

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Fort Wayne Taiko presents………

Written by lhillyard on February 17th, 2011

We had a meeting to discuss this year’s Knock on Wood.  It will be our fifth production.  We also noted that taiko has been in Fort Wayne for 12 years.  That is another milestone.  We are excited to pursue another year in this production.  There will be some new songs, old songs will be renewed and who knows what else we will come up with.   Check back frequently to see how we are progressing  :0)

 

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Big Drums, Big Sound, Big Life

Written by lhillyard on February 9th, 2011

Ft. Wayne Extra

Ready, set go!!!!!  Fort Wayne Taiko was the featured performers at IPFW last night.  We had an engaging crowd and had alot of fun.  We rearranged Matsuri and had 5 drummers playing the song, 2 playing the song backward.  This was something we had been wanting to do and we rocked!!!  Matsuri is a festival song that is full of joy.  We experienced the joy because of the way we engaged the audience and the way we had 2 drummers sharing a drum. For me, the connection in that moment was full of power, love of the drum and the people I was with.  The risk we all take when we drum can make a difference in the way we live and how that manifests in our life.  Taiko is a way of life, if you want to grow, come and drum with us  :)

 

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The Drum as a Multicultural Instrument

Written by lhillyard on February 4th, 2011
Feb ’11
8
7:00 pm

Fort Wayne Taiko will be performing at IPFW’s Walb Student Ballroom Tuesday, February 8th at 7:30pm to honor Black History Month.  This performance is part of a program sponsored by The Department of International Culture and Language Studies/Japanese Language Program and The Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs.  The program runs from 7-9pm with Ft. Wayne Taiko performing from 7:30-8:00pm.  Hope to see you there!

 

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Improvisation, intimidating or empowering??????

Written by lhillyard on January 24th, 2011

During each practice we incorporate time for improvisation.  Improv can be intimidating for everyone, regardless of their skill level.  Improv is about listening and connection to others in the group, movement from drum to drum, and kiai.  What I love about improv is that each person can use creativity in whatever way they want.  The creative process can expand our connection to ourselves, the drum, each other and beyond.  It can help us grow, as we have to risk something everytime we play.  It can often be empowering when we engage others and it sounds good.    The kiai can support the drummer as they risk whatever they can at that moment, maybe as simple, yet powerful, as keeping the pulse with bachi and watching hoping they can get to a point in the process that it is safe enough to do more.  For more experienced drummers, the risk may be exploring movement between the drums without thought of choreography.

 

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Knock on Wood 2011

Written by lhillyard on January 20th, 2011
Nov ’11
12
7:00 pm
Russian Groove - Original piece by Jackie Hinsey

2010 Knock on Wood

Ft. Wayne Taiko invites you to our annual Knock on Wood Performance to be held at the  Allen County Main Public Library Auditorium!  Advance tickets are $12 Adults and $10 for children 12 and under.  Tickets at the Door are $15 Adults and $12 for children. Call the Dance Collective at 424-6574.

 

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30 Days to Better Shime

Written by lhillyard on January 20th, 2011

Kris with practice pad

Kris Bergstrom, of On Ensemble, developed this 30-day program to improve shime daiko skills.  This program involves daily practice on shime or practice pad.  It increases in difficulty and goes on for 30 days straight.  We are more than halfway through and I am struggling to keep up the daily practice. Kris does support and encourage us through e -mails and videos but it is hard! Some of the drills are easy, some I am unable to do.  I am grateful that the program is almost over and wondering what the goal is and how I will be better.

 

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On Ensemble Workshops

Written by Andy Welfle on December 20th, 2010
Jan ’11
5
10:00 am

L.A.’s On Ensemble teaches taiko drumming workshop at FWDC

The On Ensemble. Photo by Ayumi Kameda

Fort Wayne Taiko and the Fort Wayne Dance Collective are keeping the beat alive with a workshop with the On Ensemble, an LA-based taiko performance and teaching group, Wednesday, January 5.

On Ensemble, (pronounced “Ohn”) takes the ancient instruments of taiko into new realms. Infusing the powerful rhythms of ensemble Japanese drumming with elements of hip-hop, rock and electronica, On Ensemble’s unique sound has been praised as “completely original and brilliantly conceived.” Modern Drummer magazine calls On Ensemble “an exciting taiko ensemble looking at new ways to apply traditional Japanese drums.”

Masato Baba, who was in Fort Wayne in April with TAIKOPROJECT, will be returning with On Ensemble, along with Kristofer Bergstrom, Shoji Kameda and Kelvin Underwood.

From 10 AM to 12:30 PM, particiants will explore basic slant drum form and technique with On Ensemble’s detailed exploration of the basic strike.

The afternoon workshop, from 1:30-4, will explore Bon Taiko, or Matsuri Daiko, which is one of the most fun and exciting forms of Japanese drumming. Bon Taiko Bonanza teaches an engaging solo structure including oroshi, kakegoe and the innovative “glitch ji” that can be looped repeatedly for multiple soloists.

Each workshop is $50, or participants can attend both for $90, saving 10%.

Call (260) 424-6574, or email info@fwdc.org for more information or to register today! Space is limited, so register soon!

 

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Knock on Wood 4

Written by Jackie Hinsey on November 21st, 2010

Check out this clip of Zoku from dress rehersal on 11/19/10

YouTube Preview Image
 

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Knock on Wood 4

Written by lhillyard on November 21st, 2010

WOW!!!!!   What an awesome performance we gave at the Library theater.  We almost sold out and the crowd loved us.  Our group had such cohesion and energy and we had alot of FUN  :)   Tammy played the violin and Kelly joined us to do a Fire dance.

Everyone contributed their own unique abilities to make the concert exciting and powerful.  We did alot of things we had not done before.  We had interludes, monologues, dances and chants. 

We had a great crew that helped with drums, set up and strike.  Thanks to Abbey, Dave, Sadie, Eric, Alex, and Kelly for pitching in.  We also want to thank all the other volunteers who we could not have had a great show without.

Now we get to start planning next years performance………

 

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