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Opening question: What was a memorable Halloween costume that you made for your yourself or your kids? (Unfortunately, my computer crashed while writing this entry and I lost all the answers! But I remember: Raggedy Ann, Freddy Kruger, lobster in a pot, a box of floss!)
After warm-ups, we did a bit of review on the Ei Ja Nai Ka call and response from last week (see below) and talked about how it means, “Ain’t it good?” with an element of “what the heck, whatever!” and focusing on what is good in life. To be able to call that out with energy and spirit.
We followed up with the RumbaKo sweeps. First focusing only on the sweeping hand first, controlling it’s movement, and also turning your gaze towards the sweeping hand. And finally adding in a weight shift towards that hand, before adding in the taiko hand. It’s a lot of things to think about all at once, and great to do it on both sides of the body.
Putting together all of our elements for the month - sharp/smooth movements, horsebeat and numbers, we finished up putting together the 5544 “song”. Playing it a bit slower at first then challenging ourselves to playing it faster.
We did a lot in September, it was nice to have 5 weeks to focus on these elements. Next months we’ll be shifting focus on something slightly different, but of course carrying forth the fundaments of San Jose Taiko’s 4 Principles. In case you forgot they are:
MUSICAL TECHNIQUE (the part of taiko that you hear)
KATA / FORM (the part of taiko that you see)
ATTITUDE (the part of taiko that you think about)
KI / ENERGY (the part of taiko that you feel)
All 4 principles are equally important and we are continually striving to improve in all areas. The concept of Beginner’s Mind is always a good one to keep close at hand - no matter how long you have been playing taiko, we always strive to see what else we can learn each time we are at the drum (and in life!). That applies to students and teachers. As we are always learning from you too.
Have a good week!
ANNOUNCEMENTS and REMINDERS:
Payment for classes should be made here: https://www.paypal.me/sanjosetaiko OR by check made out to San Jose Taiko, 565 N. 5th Street, San Jose CA 95112 (please mark the check PRC). The fee is $10 drop-in or $36/month.
Bachi can be purchased to be mailed for $10 a pair.
Our friends in southern California are also running a taiko class for Parkinson’s called “Rhythmic Flow Taiko” on Sundays. Please check their website for more info.
We’re starting a new session for October so feel free to spread the word to anyone who might be interested in coming to PRC.
At any time, feel free to email yurika@taiko.org for questions!