Portland Taiko and No-No Boy
Thank you to everyone who tuned in for our free online concert video event with the music group No-No Boy! It was wonderful to see friends, family, and supporters from across the state, country, and globe! If you missed the broadcast, you can still view the entire video event here or by copying this link in to your browser: https://youtu.be/R-d3rUxWRN8
This past summer, Portland Taiko members recorded in outdoor locations: farms, parks, forests, and vineyards. These videos were presented as part of the concert video event, but the full, uncut taiko videos (and unreleased taiko material) will be shared at our annual Bonenkai online party, recital, and fundraiser on Friday, December 4, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. Please mark your calendar and stay tuned for more information!
Between now and then, Portland Taiko will be developing a musical tribute to our beloved friend and Portland Taiko co-founder Valerie Otani.
Thank you again for your support and we hope to see you again, online or maybe in-person, in the near future. Stay healthy and safe, and please remember to fill out the 2020 census and vote in this year’s elections!
New Online Workshop and Classes!
Portland Taiko beta-tested its new online Taiko 101 workshop and we’re thrilled to share it with you! The next TAIKO 101 WORKSHOP is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. It will be led by three Portland Taiko drummers using a variety of live/virtual activities and prerecorded videos. And don’t worry–you don’t need a big taiko drum at home to take this online workshop. You can set up a pillow or cushion on a folding chair and use drumsticks or two grocery-bags. Watch the video here, starting at 1:40.
For those of you who have already taken our Taiko 101 workshop or have some experience with taiko, we are happy to announce our fall classes beginning on Wednesday, October 7. The beginning-level class, POWER TAIKO: HA! will focus on strength and precision while learning one of Portland Taiko’s signature pieces. For our advanced students, the next BEYOND BASICS class will explore different ji-patterns, ambidextrous drills, and Portland Taiko pieces HA, Amaterasu, and Handa na Kayo. We hope to be drumming with you soon!!!