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Originally
rooted in the
Buddhist
tradition of
Japanese
American
culture, taiko
drumming in
North America
has steadily
increased in
popularity and
in recent years
has been
featured in
popular music
collaborations,
movies,
television
programs and
commercials, and
a well-known
video game. With
this increased
exposure,
individual
drummers and the
taiko community
at large have
been forced to
address issues
of copyright,
transmission of
repertoire, and
self-identification
within the
“world music”
marketplace.
In this
lecture-demonstration,
I will chart the
history and
development of
taiko in North
America, paying
special
attention to Soh
Daiko of New
York City. From
there, we will
explore the role
of the body
within taiko
through
performance
theory, a short
demonstration,
and audience
participation.
Finally, I will
discuss Asian
American
identity and my
own activities
as a taiko
drummer,
highlighting the
collaborations
with Iron Chef,
New York Anime
Festival,
Lincoln Center
Afro-Latin Jazz
Ensemble, and
Korn.
Note: Drummers
and non-drummers
alike are
encouraged to
participate.
Please wear
comfortable
loose-fitting
clothes and
bring a bottle
of water.
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