Taiko Center of the Pacific

The 51st Cherry Blossom Festival presents
The 5th Annual Hawaii International Taiko Festival WORKSHOPS
Click here to download the application in PDF format.

Sunday 3/16/03:
9:30 am – 12 noon Tao “Taiko & Fue (Bamboo Flute )”
12:15 pm – 2:15 pm Kenny Endo “Improvisation & Soloing”
2:30 pm – 5 pm Eiichi Saito “Cultivating Passion”

Tuesday 3/18/03:
4:30 pm – 5:25 pm Taiko Center of the Pacific “Intro to Taiko for Keiki” (ages 5-8)
5:30 pm – 6:25 pm Taiko Center of the Pacific “Intro to Taiko for Youth” (ages 9-12)
6:30 pm – 8 pm Taiko Center of the Pacific “Intro to Taiko for Adults” (ages 13-adult)

All workshops held at: Kapiolani Community College Annex Building (aka “the Chapel”) 4303 Diamond Head Road (between 18th Avenue and Makapuu Street), Honolulu, HI.

For workshop application, fees, and/or information, contact: 949-2255. The Cherry Blossom Festival is a project of the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce.

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Hawaii International Taiko Festival Workshop Descriptions

Sunday 3/16/03
9:30 am – 12 noon
Beginning II - Advanced, Youth ages 9-Adult
“Taiko and Fue (bamboo flute)” Workshop by TAO
Workshop in Japanese with English Interpretation by Taiko Center of the Pacific. Tao is a young, energetic, and vibrant taiko group based in southern Japan on the island of Kyushu. The workshop will be split into taiko and fue (bamboo flute) sections. For persons interested in the fue section, a 7 or 8-hole fue and basic fue skills are necessary. Participants will learn a song from Tao’s repertoire. At the end of the session, the taiko and fue groups will come together to play with Tao. Suitable for beginning II level taiko/fue players and above. Ages 9 thru adult OK. Space limited.
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Sunday 3/16/03
12:15 pm – 2:15 pm
Beginning II - Advanced, Youth ages 9-Adult
“Improvisation & Soloing” Workshop by KENNY ENDO
Ever wondered WHAT to play when it comes to taking a solo? Get some help from one of the foremost taiko artists in this country. Kenny Endo has a background in western drum set, world music, rock, jazz, and Japanese percussion. He has a master’s degree in Music and holds the distinction of being the first non-Japanese national to receive a stage name and master’s degree (natori) in classical Japanese drumming. A former professional member of Edo Sukeroku Taiko, Endo currently leads three ensembles based in Hawaii, the US mainland, and Tokyo. This workshop will focus on the art of improvisation and learning how to solo. Suitable for beginning II level taiko players and above. Ages 9 – adult OK. Space limited.
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Sunday 3/16/03
2:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Beginners-Advanced, Youth ages 9-Adult
“Cultivating Passion” Workshop by EIICHI SAITO with Masami Miyazaki (KODO)
Workshop in Japanese with English Interpretation by Daniel Rosen. A member of Kodo for nearly 20 years, Eiichi Saito has emerged as not only a
central performer on stage, but also as the group's primary workshop leader. Eiichi's workshops focus less on technique and more on cultivating a passionate approach to playing the taiko. His workshops are known for a mix of hard work and hard play, and the high-energy style that has become Eiichi's trademark. Suitable for beginning – advanced skill levels. Ages 9– adult OK. Space limited.
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Tuesday 3/18/03
4:30 pm – 5:25 pm Introduction to Taiko for Keiki, Ages 5-8
5:30 pm – 6:26 pm Introduction to Taiko for Youth, Ages 9-13
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Introduction to Taiko for Adults, Ages 13–adult
“Introduction to Taiko – Hands-On Drumming” by TAIKO CENTER OF THE PACIFIC (TCP)
In conjunction with the Taiko Festival, TCP offers a hands-on Beginners’ Workshop for keiki, youth, and adults. Taiko Center of the Pacific has been offering taiko classes to the general public for all ages and all levels since 1994. Get a taste of taiko drumming and see if you would like to continue! Instruction in basic stance, form, and rhythm. Cultural, musical, and fun! Space limited.
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Click here to download the Workshop Application. (PDF Format)