Workshops Contents
ODAIKO - Approaching the Solo
Instructor: Joe Small
All taiko players know that the odaiko projects massive sound and physical presence - how can we go beyond just large striking and cultivate our individual sound and our individual artistry at these large drums?
Taiko Trek participants will not only learn basic training methods and drills based on Joe's developed out of his activities in Japan -particularly as a disciple of pioneering soloist Eitetsu Hayashi's approach and aesthetics, but gain tips and tools for composing, improvising, and performance on the odaiko based on Joe's original piece, "Bounding"!
Bujin
Instructor: Isaku Kageyama
Bujin,composed by Yoichi Watanabe in 1998, has become one of Amanojaku's trademark pieces. Isaku Kageyama spent 20+ years as a member of Amanojaku, and will be introducing the piece to workshop participants. The word "Bujin" literally means "warrior" and references the movements and spirit of the samurai.
Yama Arashi
Instructor: Bruce Mui Ghent
participants will learn a movement based original piece composed by Mui. An arrangement specially designed for the Taiko Trek debut performance at ShastaYama 2016! A taiko trek to Mt. Shasta! A chance to share the stage with other artists!
In one of the sessions, Mui will also be working with participants on Jumps & Turns For Taiko! Add a new dimension to your solo!
Body Bayashi
Instructor: Yeeman Mui
A body music/dance piece created during San Francisco International Orff Courses based on the kuchishoga of Mikoshi Bayashi - a basic pattern from the festival music of old Tokyo, as learned from Kenny Endo-sensei in his ensemble weekly Edo Bayashi practice.
Inspired by a creative rhythm chanllenge initiated by Evie Ladin - choosing a rhythm pattern that is played by 2 instruments, created a body music/dance part to one and sing the other at the same time, and then reverse. The purpose of this was to internalise and embody the interlocking relationship between two instruments. A very chanllenging but fascinating exercise
In Summer 2013, Yeeman was finishing her last Level course at San Francisco International Orff, where she met Ezo Sunal and Estevao Marques Ferreira Rocha, two accomplished Body Music artists from Istanbul and São Paulo. Together they developed Body Bayashi, a choreography based on the Shime Daiko and Atarigane parts of Mikoshi Bayashi.
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In Taiko Trek, participants will learn this body music/dance and exploring variations and combinations of the dance with taiko! Be ready for the challenge, by the end of the workshop participants will get a new perspective in practicing taiko rhythms. This exercise could develop into a new way of taiko practice!
Shinobue Technique and Application
Instructor: Heidi Chan
Objective:
- to learn the basic technique of fue playing
- discussion of basic musical concepts such as tuning, scales, etc. to more fully appreciate the cultural context and musical possibilities of the fue (understanding transposition, playing in different keys, playing in tune with other/Western instruments)
- to develop aural/physical sensitivity in playing fue, which can be applied to learning/playing other wind instruments
- cultivation of breath awareness, time, silence, stillness through the fue
- to learn a traditional song - Tanomichi no Uta
- to learn simple, adaptive and progressive exercises for development in fue playing
Song to be learned: Tanomichi no Uta
What is it – a traditional Japanese tune (more info soon)
Why this song:
- it's slow!
o long notes are the best practice tools
o playing slow makes for good rhythmic training – appreciate space, time
- good range for beginner players – main melody is in easy/middle range
- catchy – easy to remember
- various sections with differing melodies and ranges; more advanced sections w/ key change, quicker phrases, bigger range
- simple melody lends itself well to harmonization/layering, various ways of arrangement