Photos from NYTAK's 10th Year Anniversary Concert - June 10th, 2012

It has been a year since our 10th Year Anniversary Concert in June 2012, but the memories of that day remain clear - the rush and adrenaline of getting ready, the excitement and anticipation bubbling in everyone's eyes as we wait for our turns to go on stage, and the jaw dropping and awe inspiring performances our teachers and sister groups gave. That was a day that not only celebrated our tenth year in existence, it was also a day that really reminded us of the bond and camaraderie that exists in our Taiko community .

We played to a packed, standing room only audience that day.  Starting with Kizuna, we ran through Tonbane, Hiryu Sandan Gaeishi, Isamigoma, and Enjin Daiko, before Ryota-sensei followed by Kaoru-sensei took to the stage with their groups. Then it was our founding members turn to play Okedaiko Variations and Miyake.  Hiro-sensei came on next with Taiko Masala, and then our founding members went back on with an original composition, Suwa Ikazuchi and Yatai Bayashi.  Finally we rounded out the performance with Isamigoma Dengaku. We also had a special video segment where we showed off a photo slideshow of some of our founding members who were leaving for college soon after.   

It really meant a lot to us that we had the support of our teachers, Hiro Kurashima sensei, Kaoru Watanabe sensei and Ryota Kataoka sensei along with their groups to perform that day. And we certainly could not have done this without the support of our sister groups Biwanko and Sakura Daiko, who contributed the time and effort, and the drums and equipment.  There are so many others who helped make this concert a success, so from all of us at NYTAK - Thank You! 

Here finally are the long overdue photos. Enjoy! 

  

Our concert poster

Before the show...

Setting up the stage

Tonbane

Tonbane

Enjin Daiko

Hiryu Sandan Gaeshi

Our founding youth members

Yatai Bayashi

Miyake

Hiro Kurashima sensei

Adrienne, Yoko and Reiko of Taiko Masala

Kaoru Watanabe Sensei

Kaoru Watanabe performing Miyake

Ryota Kataoka sensei and Yuko Yamamura

Rounding out the performances is Isamigoma Dengaku

 Time for the reception!

Time to cut the cake!

Beautiful, and delicious. Baked by our very own Aleena!

NYTAK at Ikuei Gakuen - Englewood, NJ 6/14/13

On Friday, June 14th, we had the honor of performing at the Ikuei Gakuen in Englewood, NJ for their annual "Bon Odori - Yusuzumi" Festival.  This was our third year participating in this event.  We performed Isamigoma and Mirai outdoors and had the 3 and 4 year olds try out the drums.  Then the clouds moved in and started to drop rain on us so we had to quickly move indoors where we performed Tonbane and Hiryu, followed by the 5 and 6 yr olds turn on the drums.  Luckily the sun came out again so out we went back out just in time for the "Bon Odori"! Overall it was one busy evening but the sight of the cute little children in their yukatas and jinbeis enjoying themselves was well worth it.  Thank you Ikuei Gakuen for inviting us!

Everyone's waiting patiently....especially the kids with the look of anticipation on their faces!

Here we are performing "Isamigoma"

It's the 3 and 4 year olds turn on the drums!

 

A little rain won't stop us. Here we are indoors performing "Tonbane"

 

Back outside for "Bon Odori".

Everyone's joining in!

NYTAK & Biwanko at Rockland Boulder's Ballpark 6/3/13

On Monday, June 3rd, 2013, a few of us joined forces with Biwanko to perform at Rockland Boulder's Provident Bank Park for their Around the World event.   The weather was great, as we played Isamigoma and Mirai before the game and then Tonbane between the second and third innings.  What a blast!

Us with the Boulder Bird - Official mascot of the Rockland Boulders!

Getting ready...

Rocking out on the baseball field.

NYTAK at PS199 "The Festival of Asia"

On Saturday, June 1st, 2013, NYTAK had the honor of performing at PS 199 for their annual "Festival of East Asia".  This cultural festival featured the many cultural art, music, food, dance and fashions of East Asia, which included Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea, Macau and Mongolia.  We had a great time performing for the audience!  Here are some photos from our performance: 

Our group performing "Isamigoma"

And here's our group performing "Kizuna"