It’s Obon time in Japan and all of us here at Mark H Taiko are feeling that festival mood! We’re celebrating the spirit of Obon with a series of four awesome workshops … including two based on “Matsuri,” a song that developed out of traditional Obon rhythms!

These workshops are the perfect way to get your taiko groove on – just in time for our regular classes to start back up this fall. There’s a little something for everyone this weekend, so save the date and join us in Takoma Park!

Saturday, August 14

Intro to Naname-Uchi (1:00 – 4:00PM)

This workshop introduces the stance, technique, and form that are the basis for this challenging and dynamic style that has become a staple of the North American taiko community. Whether you are new to naname (it’s our focus for the Advanced Skills Class this fall, so if you’d like to join that class, don’t miss this!), looking to brush up on fundamentals, or interested in exploring the methodology for teaching this style in your own group, this workshop is for you!

Matsuri Reloaded (5:00 – 8:00PM)

“Matsuri” is a taiko classic for a reason! This workshop is perfect for anyone interested in learning this piece for the first time or refreshing their Matsuri skills. Even if your first naname experience was at the intro workshop happening earlier in the day, you are invited to join us as we explore this fun set of rhythms! 

Sunday, August 15

Matsuri Re-mix (1:00 – 4:00PM)

This advanced workshop covers strategies for creating solos and even writing your own variation of “Matsuri” by building a vocabulary of rhythm and movement around set structures. A great opportunity to boost your creative energy and express yourself!

Taiko Drills: From Simple to Insane! (5:00 – 8:00PM)

Just joined our classes recently? This workshop is FOR YOU! Been playing for years? This workshop is ALSO FOR YOU! These drills will challenge you to develop your timing, technique, bachi control, ambidexterity, and so much more! (Oh, and did we mention these drills help you learn to play on multiple drums at the same time?)

We hope to see you there!

We welcome current and former Mark H Taiko students as well as anyone from out of town who’s looking for a little taiko camaraderie! Click on any of the workshop links above to get more info and to sign up!

Because we are still limiting workshop capacity of the safety and comfort of everyone, register EARLY! Our recent workshops have filled up quickly, so don’t miss out!

Planning to take multiple workshops?

OF COURSE we have you covered with a sweet discount … the more workshops you take, the more you save!

Extra discounts for college & high school students!

We know that a student budget doesn’t always make it easy to sign up for workshops like these, so we have a special 35% discount for college & high school students! Click on any of the workshop links to learn more!