Hana Hachijo Workshop by Chieko Kojima - March 9th, 2020

Kyoko-sensei attended the Hana Hachijo workshop taught by Chieko Kojima of KODO at Kaoru-sensei’s dojo on March 9th.

  

East Coast Taiko Conference 2020

The East Coast Taiko Conference, which took place at the University of Connecticut, Storrs Campus from February 21 – 23rd, 2020 concluded and everyone who went had a great time! 

Special congratulations goes out to Chris who performed Omiyage as a representative of NYTAK with other performers from all around the country!  Koh and Columbia Taiko also had a wonderful performance, and Keiko-san performed as a member of Soh Daiko as well.  And last but not least, our very own Gen who won the How fast can you say it? contest this year, smashing all former records set at NATC 2019 and making him the WORLD CHAMPION of this challenge. Way to go, Gen!

Shirts are selling out fast! Our table at ECTC with Keiko and Jared who came and staffed our table. Thank you Jared!

Meanwhile back in NYC, a shot of our devoted members who wouldn't miss a week of Taiko practice!

Last Sunday's Practice

Last Sunday’s practice included Miho Wada (exchange student from Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto) and Megu Akita (Biwanko), playing Miyake and Yatai Bayashi with NYTAK.

Last Week's Practice...

We had a special guest during last week's practice - our old taiko mate Andras who came all the way from Nagoya! We had a great time playing with him again and we hope to see him again next year!

Photos from Kyoko-sensei's Visit to Japan over New Year

Here are some photos from Kyoko-sensei's visit to Japan over the new year. She met up with Chiharu and participated in a taiko class in Kawasaki taught by Makoto-san of Osuwa Daiko, and also got to see the important role taiko plays during New Year's traditions. 

Pictures from our Pizza and Karaoke Goodbye Party for Jackson

Last Sunday, Dec 22nd, we had a short practice followed by a pizza and karaoke goodbye party for Jackson, who's moving to Seattle for work. We're sad to see him go, and wish him the best!

Tiffany Tamaribuchi’s Workshop Dec 12, 2019 @ Kaoru Watanabe’s dojo

Otogatari Workshop - Dec 14, 2019 @ Taiko Masala Dojo

On Dec 14, we had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a workshop with Otogatari, taiko performers from Japan. The workshop was hosted by Taiko Masala in Brooklyn.  Below are some pictures from the day.

Uchiosame 2019 with Hiro-sensei - Dec 8, 2019

Sumo + Sushi Event - November 15 - 17, 2019

We had the unique opportunity to perform at the Sumo + Sushi Event on all 3 nights at the Playstation Theater in NY.  Thanks to all who performed, especially those who took all three days out of their weekend!

Columbia Taiko Festival - Nov 10, 2019

The Columbia Taiko Festival was a great success, thanks to all who participated!  Special thanks to Koh and the CU Taiko leadership and members for pulling off such a great show and helping keep the taiko community strong.  Not forgetting our members and family volunteers too!

NYC Marathon - Nov 3, 2019

Many thanks to all who came out and played with us!  

Thanks to Stefano for this photo from the live footage of the marathon opening ceremony!

NYC Marathon Opening Ceremony - Nov 1, 2019

What an honor to be part of the NYC Marathon Opening Ceremony! We had a blast, and the runners were very happy to see us accompany them.  Can't for this Sunday's marathon!

Tribute to Takeshi Okuyama - October 6, 2019

On October 6th, we held a small tribute gathering to celebrate the life of Takeshi Okuyama, the instrumental instructor of Hachijo-style taiko for his recent untimely passing.

 For an idea of the profound impact of Okuyama-san’s efforts in building the Hachijo Taiko community, please see his obituary (in Japanese). 

Many thanks to Sarah Gilbert of Soh Daiko for putting together the event, and to Soh Daiko and Koh for lending us Hachijo stands for the occasion.  It was a warm and fun evening as we got to learn the Hachijo style in memory of Takashi Okuyama-Sensei, who passed too soon.

Scarsdale Daiso Opening (Scarsdale, NY) & Annual Fair at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church (Plainview, NY) - September 21, 2019

We had a pretty busy Saturday on September 21st, with our members split between 2 shows, one at the Scarsdale Daiso Opening in Scarsdale, NY, and the other at the Annual Fair at St. Margaret's Episcopal church in Plainview New York (Long Island). Thanks to everyone who participated!

In action at Scarsdale Daiso

Thanks to all performers who gave their all!

Playing at the St. Margaret’s Annual Fair

A group shot with Father Isaiah Ginson at the Fair

St. George’s Episcopal Church - September 28, 2019

Photo taken by our former member, Henry in Hempstead, LI

Westport Bon Odori Festival - Sept 7, 2019

We had wonderful weather last Saturday as we performed Westport Bon Odori Festival. Many thanks to Junko-san for organizing and hosting us for a great dinner afterward!