What’s happening at CONNECT 2020? A LOT! We’ve got great workshops and activities planned.
Everyone who attends CONNECT 2020 will get to take the same 4 awesome workshops – that’s 12 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!
Yurika Chiba’s Workshop
Creating that Kodak Moment (or Instagram Moment!)
in Naname Uchi
In this workshop, we will break down – and then rebuild! – the form for naname uchi (playing taiko on an angled stand) and identify challenges that lead to working too hard and losing potential energy. We’ll create a connection between feet and fingertips, and become aware of how to express energy through your body, creating those photo-worthy moments.
Ryo Shimamoto’s Workshop
Tsumugu 「紡ぐ」
Tsumugu is a taiko song composed by Ryo Shimamoto specifically for CONNECT 2020. Originally, tsumugu refers to “spinning thread” or “twisting fibers.” In contemporary use, the term also describes the interweaving of words, or something invisible and valuable. In this workshop, our goal is to connect the hearts of the participants and create a space where we can feel a sense of unity and oneness.
Unit Souzou’s Workshop
Taiko Embodiment from your Core
The sound of taiko is shaped and inspired by form and movement. This workshop will engage your body to create from the inside out, emphasizing the use of koshi. In this introduction to visual phrasing, we will explore how to use imagery and improvisation in order to compose with intention and purpose. Deepening the connection between body and expression, short exercises will demonstrate how to use koshi to move and play the taiko while weaving stories on the drum.
David Wells’ Workshop
The Ensemble Environment
Making great music as a group isn’t always as easy as 1, 2, 3 … but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t count! Through challenging drills, interlocking beats, and a focus on great practice strategy, we will begin to deepen our ensemble connections and find joy in confident awareness of our musical environments.
Schedule
FRIDAY
4:00 – 7:00 PM: Check in, settle into dorms, etc.
7:30 PM: Informal dinner/drinks/fun for all who are interested
SATURDAY
8:00 – 9:30 AM: Breakfast for folx staying in the dorms
9:00 – 9:45 AM: Conference check-in for commuters or late-night arrivals
10:00 – 11:00 AM: Opening Session
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM: Lunch
12:30 – 3:30 PM: Workshop Session #1
4:00 – 5:00 PM: Taiko Discussion #1
5:30 – 6:30 PM: Dinner
7:00 – 10:00 PM: Workshop Session #2
10:00 – ??? PM: Informal taiko mingling & frivolity
SUNDAY
7:00 – 8:30 AM: Breakfast for folx staying in the dorms
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Workshop Session #3
12:15 – 1:15 PM: Lunch
1:30 – 3:00 PM: Taiko Discussion #2
3:30 – 6:30 PM: Workshop Session #4
7:30 – 11:00 PM: Dinner Reception/Taiko Open Mic/Closing
