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Mark H Rooney Taiko

Taiko Instructor & Performer

Join us for outdoor workshops!

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Welcome back to taiko!

People playing masks in an outdoor pavilion while wearing masks

Our classes are still on hiatus, but we are beyond excited to get back to playing taiko together. That’s the main thing we’ve all been missing during COVID – the chance to connect with our fellow human beings.

AND we have found a great outdoor space at Glen Echo Park where we can play together safely.

So whether you’ve been practicing regularly on your own for months … or you haven’t had the time or energy to think about taiko since March … or even if you have never played taiko before but you’re ready to take your first taiko workshop …

We have a workshop for YOU this fall!

Taiko Drills 101: Sunday, October 25 (3:00 – 5:00pm)

Glen Echo Park workshop

Don’t let the title fool you! In this workshop, Mark H will introduce a variety of drills to help you keep up your taiko mojo. Open to anyone who has been part of our Adult Recreational Taiko Class who has taken a full series of our Adult Recreational Taiko Class or who has equivalent experience.

Taiko Drills 201: Saturday, November 7 (3:00 – 5:00pm)

Glen Echo Park workshop

If you’re a bit further along in your taiko practice, this workshop will help you keep your taiko momentum going and work on listening and learning as well as speed, coordination, ambidexterity, and bachi control. Open to anyone who has been part of our Adult Recreational Taiko Class for at least a year or who has equivalent experience

Introductory Taiko Workshop: Sunday, November 15 (3:00 – 6:00pm)

Glen Echo Park intro workshop

This workshop is designed to introduce the basics of taiko technique, practice of kumidaiko (ensemble drumming), awareness of ki (energy), use of koe (voice), history and philosophy — all while having a good time! No experience necessary, but come ready for a workout!

 

Because space in these workshops is extremely limited, they are going to fill up quickly, so check your calendars, dust off your bachi, and click on the links above to get all the info and complete your registration.

mask with drumWe look forward to seeing you! But before you register for any of these workshops, please look carefully over our outdoor workshop policies so you know all the protocols we are taking for the safety and comfort of your fellow taiko players (and your instructor!).

2020 Sakura Taiko Takeover Canceled

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EVENT CANCELED  🙁

As you are probably aware, the coronavirus concerns in the DC area have escalated and the DC Department of Health has issued a notice advising against large gatherings through the end of March. As a result, the National Cherry Blossom Festival and National Park Service have canceled all events at the Tidal Basin Stage where our event was going to take place.

So, unfortunately we have no choice but to cancel our March 28 Sakura Taiko Takeover event. We’re really bummed about this, to say the least. We had hoped to move forward one way or another, but unfortunately the city’s advisory against mass gatherings makes it impossible for us to find another venue. We may try to reschedule to a new date and don’t have a plan for that yet, but will be sure to keep everyone in the loop when and if that works out.

Thanks so much to all of the groups who had made plans to perform with us and all of the folx who have worked long and hard over the years to make this an awesome event that we look forward to every spring.

Keep calm, stay safe and healthy, and we’ll see you all for our next Taiko Takeover in 2021!

Talkin’ Taiko with Tyrone

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If you’re a taiko player and you haven’t yet discovered the Talkin’ Taiko with Tyrone podcast, you are missing out! Tyrone Nakawatase chats with his taiko friends around the world and their conversations give you all kinds of insight into the taiko community at large. Recently, Tyrone sat down with Mark H and Kristen to chat about their taiko history and what’s coming up at CONNECT 2020.  Check it out!

If you’re looking for even more great taiko convos and want to get pumped for CONNECT 2020, don’t miss his interviews with our instructors Michelle Fujii and Toru Watanabe of Unit Souzou, Yurika Chiba, and David Wells, as well as Katsuji Asano from our amazing CONNECT 2020 sponsor, Asano Taiko U.S.! (and of course Mark H’s earlier appearance from last year!)

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