What’s happening at CONNECT 2018? A LOT! We’ve got great workshops and activities planned. The times below are still approximate, but should give you a good idea of what to expect when you arrive.
Everyone who attends CONNECT 2018 will get to take the same 4 awesome workshops – that’s 10 total hours of drumming in 2 days! Because of this unique format, there’s no need for you to agonize over which workshops to sign up for. All you need to do is register!
PJ’s Workshop
TaiKonnect: Openness. Oneness.
PJ will present a holistic and immersive workshop featuring her distilled treasure of invigorating taiko tips, energy, joy, and mindful interaction. This workshop will strengthen and illuminate our capacity to play kumidaiko with a deeper connectedness. Come with bachi, curiosity, and an open mind/open heart.
Ryo’s Workshop
Yui (結)
Ryo’s workshop will introduce the key rhythms of one of his most popular compositions. “Yui (結)” is a contemporary and engaging song featuring multiple-drum set-ups and samba rhythms. The goal for playing the piece is to experience a deep sense of connection and kumidaiko in which all players’ hearts connect as one.
Tiffany’s Workshop
The Groove: Playing. Improvising. Performing.
In this workshop, Tiffany will explore the different elements of strong and lively backbeats, experiment with aspects of improvisation and composition, and work out how all of this combines together in order to help you connect with your fellow drummers and the world around you.
Kaoru’s Workshop
Power and Grace
Kaoru’s workshop will help you unlock the mysteries of the often-expressed (but rarely-understood) idea of playing taiko “using your entire body.” Learn how to get a bigger and richer sound by using fuller, more expressive motions, and how to build awareness of your own sense of balance, stability, relaxation, control, and posture while playing a variety of rhythms, dynamic levels, and speeds.
Schedule
THURSDAY
5:00 – 7:00 PM: Check in, settle into dorms, etc.
7:00 PM: Informal dinner/drinks/fun for anyone who’s available
FRIDAY
9:30 AM: Check in for Commuters
10:00 – 11:30 AM: Opening Session
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM: Lunch
1:00 – 3:30 PM: Workshop Session #1
4:00 – 5:30 PM: Taiko Discussion #1
6:00 – 7:00 PM: Dinner
7:30 – 10:00 PM: Workshop Session #2
10:00 PM: Informal taiko mingling (Taiko Uno, drill sharing, games, etc.)
SATURDAY
9:00 – 11:30 AM: Workshop Session #3
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM: Lunch
1:00 – 2:30 PM: Taiko Discussion #2
3:00 – 5:30 PM: Workshop Session #4
6:00 – 7:00 PM: Dinner
7:30 – 11:00 PM: Taiko Open Mic Night/Closing
