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Mark H Rooney Taiko

Taiko Instructor & Performer

Join us for our Spring classes!

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Our next class session starts May 5!

It’s been a great cherry blossom season and we are READY to get back in the taiko studio! Are you ready to join us? Join us for one of our awesome Spring classes!

recreational taiko students playing together
Recreational Taiko Class

Sundays, 5-7pm

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okedo + chappa Spring 2024
Katsugi Okedo + Chappa Fundamentals

Tuesdays, 8-10pm

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Naname 2024
Intermediate Naname

Sundays, 2-4pm

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Our classes do sell out fast, so if the one you’re interested in is already full, never fear! You can contact Mark H to get on the waitlist, and there is ALWAYS more great taiko coming up!

Warm up with taiko this winter!

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The winter weather predictions for the DC Area are in, and it’s official – we’re expecting more snow and cold than we’ve seen in recent years. But NEVER FEAR! There is no better way to stay warm than with LOTS OF TAIKO!

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Intro Workshops

Sunday, December 17 (3 – 6 pm) AND Sunday, January 21 (5 – 8 pm)

people playing taiko in an introductory workshop

If you’ve never tried taiko before, or if you’re looking for a refresher on your taiko fundamentals, join us for one of our TWO upcoming Introductory Taiko Workshops and find out what it feels like to play a drum with your whole body. This workshop is a prerequisite for our Adult Rec Class, so if you want to join that class, be sure you signed up for one of these two workshops FIRST!

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Intro to Naname-Uchi Workshop

Sunday, January 7 (5 – 8 pm)

Intro to Naname-Uchi

If you’ve always wondered why many taiko players say that naname-uchi is their FAVORITE style to play … or if you’re wondering whether our Naname Fundamentals Styles Class will be right for you this winter … then plan to join us for this Intro to Naname workshop and get back in the taiko zone after the holidays!

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Adult Rec Class

Sundays from 5 – 7 pm, beginning on January 28

rec class students playing together

As always, our Adult Rec Class is a great opportunity for taiko players at all levels to get together and have fun playing taiko with a bunch of other amazing people. Like our Intro Workshops, this class usually sells out FAST, so don’t wait to register!

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Naname Fundamentals Styles Class

Sundays from 2 – 4 pm, beginning on January 28

taiko players having fun while playing naname

We’re trying something NEW this winter and offering TWO different Styles Classes! If you’re ready to start your journey with this dynamic and engaging style … or if you’re ready for a bit of a refresher on your naname skills, this fundamentals level class is a great option for you this session.

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Intermediate Odaiko Styles Class

Tuesdays from 8 – 10 pm, beginning on January 30

odaiko players in workshop

If you took our Fall Odaiko class (or have previous Odaiko experience) and would like to level up your Odaiko this winter, this intermediate class is for you. We’ll take a more in-depth look at odaiko technique and form and encourage everyone to develop their own styles of expression.

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Plus: Chieko Kojima Workshops!

February 9 – 11

Chieko Kojima plays taiko under the sakura blossoms

Whether you’ve been playing taiko for 8 weeks or 8+ years, you do NOT want to miss out on this amazing opportunity to learn from one of the pioneers of modern taiko! We’ll be offering something for everyone, ranging from an all-levels workshop to a full-day intensive. All the details coming soon!

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AND: Sakura Taiko Fest!

Saturday, March 30

Please save the date and join us for Mark H Taiko’s signature annual event! Our 10th Sakura Taiko Fest will be back at the Sylvan Theater as part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival! We’re lining up a great slate of performing groups – stay tuned for more info!

Not sure which of our classes is right for you?

Just ask Mark H and he’ll help you decide which class is the right fit!

Fall classes are ALMOST HERE!

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All of us here at Mark H Taiko love summer … but we also can’t wait for fall because it means the return of taiko classes. So if you are ready to hit some big drums … READ ON! We have a busy season filled with LOTS of taiko ahead of us!

Not sure which of our classes is right for you? Just ask Mark H and he’ll help you decide which class is the right fit!

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Intro Workshops

Sunday, September 10 AND Sunday, September 17, from 5 – 8 pm

people playing taiko in an introductory workshop

If you’ve never tried taiko before, or if you’re looking for a refresher on your taiko fundamentals, join us for one of our TWO upcoming Introductory Taiko Workshops and find out what it feels like to play a drum with your whole body. This workshop is a prerequisite for our Adult Rec Class, so if you want to join that class, be sure you signed up for one of these two workshops FIRST!

Mark H Taiko School logo

Adult Rec Class

Sundays from 5 – 7 pm, beginning on September 24

Adult Rec Class 2023

As always, our Adult Rec Class is a great opportunity for taiko players at all levels to get together and have fun playing taiko with a bunch of other amazing people. Like our Intro Workshops, this class usually sells out FAST, so don’t wait to register!

Mark H Taiko School logo

Skills Class

Sundays from 2 – 4 pm, beginning on September 24

shime workshop

If you took Otoha Asano’s All-Levels Shime-daiko workshop last month and you’re ready to up your taiko mojo, join us for the next session of our Skills Class! There’s nothing like working on your shime technique to improve your all-around taiko playing and to help you understand the songs in your personal taiko repertoire inside and out.

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Styles Class

Tuesdays from 8 – 10 pm, beginning on September 27

odaiko players in workshop

Thanks to Otoha Asano’s amazing workshops this summer, we know many of you are REALLY eager to keep learning Odaiko! If that’s YOU, grab a spot in our Styles Class this fall. This powerful style is what many people think of when they hear the word “taiko” … and, as anyone who has ever tried playing odaiko can tell you, it’s a challenging and exhilarating experience.

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Plus: Fall Recital!

Sunday, November 19 @ 7:00 pm

As always, our classes will wrap up with an informal, family-friendly recital. Please save the date and join us to see loads of fun taiko! The recital is a great way to kick off the holiday season and celebrate our whole Mark H Taiko community. More details on the recital will be posted here soon – stay tuned!

We can’t wait to see everyone this fall!

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