As we Fall towards the end of October 2022 here at the Great Lakes Taiko Center (GLTC), we are grateful to have the chance to explore the world of Taiko with our communities in Southeast Michigan. If you would like to try Taiko with us before considering GLTC Membership, here are a couple offerings this season:

Fall 2022 Taiko Arts Workshops
DATES: Tuesdays 9/27, 10/25, 11/29 (sign up for one or more)
TIME: 7:00PM - 9:00PM ET
LOCATION: A2 STEAM (Northside) School, Ann Arbor, MI
Adult Enrichment program (for ages 13+) by Ann Arbor Rec & Ed

DESCRIPTION: All are welcome to explore the empowering art of Taiko with us in three different 2-hour workshops with demonstrations and hands-on activities that introduce participants to Taiko drumming (no experience necessary) and how the art form builds community through celebration (Let’s Mushi Okuri – Send Away Bugs! on 9/27), imagination (Drum & Dream on 10/25), and storytelling (Why We Drum on 11/29). In each of our Taiko Arts Workshops, we will share in the joyous energy and generous spirit of Taiko as we practice moving in space, using our voices, playing with instruments, and exploring the rhythms and groove of Taiko music together (you may sign up for any one or more of the workshops). We provide the drums (taiko) for you to play on; and you can borrow, bring, or purchase your own pair of wooden drum sticks (bachi). Instructor: Eileen Ho from the Great Lakes Taiko Center (GLTC). Fee: $49/workshop, optional $10/bachi

>Register for Taiko Arts Workshop (storytelling) - Why We Drum on TUE 11/29

[We ask all participants to follow GLTC COVID safety protocols while on site, including wearing a mask while in the workshop space.]

NOTE: These workshops are hosted by Ann Arbor Rec & Ed and not included in our GLTC membership.
>Link to scholarships available for qualified residents.
>View all the community classes available at www.aarecedonline.com/adult-enrichment-classes.

9/27/2022 Taiko Arts Workshop: Let’s Mushi Okuri - Send Away Bugs! demo of this celebration song.

10/25/2022 Taiko Arts Workshop: Drum & Dream participants exploring and embodying imagination together!

BBK Basics Class at Center for Performing Arts & Learning (Cen4PAL.net) in Wixom, MI – Bondaiko, Bon dance & Kane (BBK) festival music playing for all students (register for class at https://michigantaiko.net/class-listing; non-members may choose Trial Enrollment for $25/class)

Instructors: Noriko Maidens & Kyoko Johnson

Class Day/Time: SAT 4:00-5:30pm @Cen4PAL Studio B3 in Wixom on 10/15, 11/12 and 12/10 (once a month only)

Class Description: Practice basic skills that are essential for playing Bon daiko, Bon dance & Kane (BBK) for festival music taught in our BBK song classes (also open to those new to Taiko arts). You may drop-in for a class or continue participation monthly. We will focus on practicing rhythms on Taiko drums (the medium-size Nagado drum and small Shime drum) and the Kane (or atarigane, handheld percussion instrument). In addition to taiko playing technique, students will learn body movement, breathing, pausing, and Kakegoe (vocalizations), all of which are important for playing Taiko ensemble songs. We will incorporate basic rhythm drills, phrases from previously covered BBK songs, as well as new content from song classes this upcoming year, for material to help us practice BBK Basics together.

T3 - Tanoshii Taiko Tai (‘fun drum team’ at GLTC) practicing the festival song USUZUMI that they learned in BBK class.

Fall 2022 Leaves Us Drumming Together