Sore Samba

As I mentioned in class, we will be exploring Samba and Taiko for the month of December. This is part of a larger topic about the artform of taiko and how it has evolved and continues to evolve as it has spread all over the world. And also how it is evolving itself in Japan also.

We are going to be learning about rhythms of Samba and about the song that our Artistic Director Franco Imperial wrote for the performing company called “Sore Samba.” This is the debut of the song performed in 2016.

Here is the audio track that we were playing along to during class. (It doesn’t start right away, you have a to wait a couple of seconds. The tempo is around 95 bpm.)

Here is the video from our solo practice so you can see how long the solos are.

Regarding solo practice, here are some tips:

  • Keep it simple! Feel the beat and find a groove rather than trying to play something fancy.

  • To start out, you don’t have to only play the 8 count we were doing in class. Feel free to play longer.

  • Find rhythms that you like to repeat and then see how you can change them slightly.

  • Feel free to add movement or a pose or a kiai!


I don’t have any videos recorded yet for playing what I play, but here is a practice video for kuchishoka (“I say it, you play it”) that might be helpful.

DECEMBER CLASS TEAMS

We are trying something new this month and organizing you all into 4 teams. This way we could try out splitting up the class during activities or even doing some break-outs. When you log on to class, it would be great if you can put your team number beside your name. Thanks!

TEAM 1) Bill Warrior, Bonnie Natsuhara, Carolyn Hayashida, Celine Wong, Tina Woo, Deb Hara

TEAM 2) Ed Cohen, Elaine Yee, Liz Mark, Florence Yokoi, Gary Sakamoto, Jeanne Kays

TEAM 3) Jeanette Arakawa, Lila Gee, Lynda Won, Peg Keenan. Mary Schmitz. Mary Ann Furuichi

TEAM 4) Marilyn Masuoka, Rhonda Pierce, Roberta Lee, Ruth Ichinaga, Sandy Tomioka, Yvonne Garden

The Taiko Census

You may also get this information from Meg, but speaking of taiko in the world, the Taiko Community Alliance is conducting a TAIKO CENSUS. There is more information on their website here. It would be great if you could participate as this is valuable information for the organization to support the greater taiko community.

Happy practicing!