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Mark H Rooney Taiko

Taiko Instructor & Performer

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Building Taiko

07.27.2011 by Mark H //

photo by Tanya Downer

So…

Soon after joining Odaiko New England, I was handed a piece of paper with a few instructions on it and a couple hand-drawn diagrams.  This was my introduction to making drums.

I like to joke that the first thing Elaine Fong said to me when I first introduced myself at one of ONE’s festival performances was, “Do you have any construction experience?”  (In fact, I think that was the SECOND thing she said…)

Pretty much from the time that I was learning to play taiko, I was also learning how to make taiko.  And most of that learning was painstaking trial and error (emphasis on “error”).  Now that I have many years behind me and 60+ drums under my belt, I’d like to share some of my process with you, partially as therapy and partially to help those who are looking to do the same thing.

There are MANY resources for making drums and many MUCH BETTER drum-makers than I.  Therefore, I choose to write this from the perspective of someone who has made considerable mistakes and does NOT claim to be an expert in anything.  You don’t need (or really want) me to tell you how to make taiko.  Instead, I’d like to share what I’ve learned about how NOT to make taiko – along with a few tips that may save you time and frustration.

And if you learn nothing from this, at least you will know that anyone with marginal skills in building, a father with an engineering degree and a 65-gallon, American oak whiskey barrel FULL of stubbornness can build taiko.  Decent taiko.

I intend to be very candid with my approach to drum-making and want to be clear that I mean absolutely NO disrespect for those out there making beautiful taiko for decades.  I will always aspire to build at their level but don’t ever expect to.  Mark Miyoshi, I am NOT!

I also apologize in advance for forgetting credit where due but I honestly will try to cite where each piece of knowledge and inspiration comes from because I strongly believe in acknowledgement.

And with that, here begins my adventure…

 

Categories // Drum Building

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Random Acts of Taiko

Happy New Year! Look - shiny and new! A new year n Happy New Year! Look - shiny and new! A new year now and... nothing is different... Still a pandemic, still political ridiculousness, still unemployed. But somehow, I have a sense of optimism for the future! Forward and forward, 2021!! #forwardandforward
“...it’s been emotional...” Trying not to lo “...it’s been emotional...” Trying not to lose the hard-learned lessons of this year but really ready to move forward. #2020weOUT
Our small Christmas crew befits our little Holiday Our small Christmas crew befits our little Holiday Celebration. Wishing everyone near and far a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful Holiday Season and Hopeful 2021 - From Kristen, Mark, Roxie, Bella, and Rocket #randomactsofliving #HolidaySeason2020
A person of distinguished tastes... No, we are not A person of distinguished tastes... No, we are not selling fine scotch but our next #MeetTheArtist guest will be DAVID WELLS!! And he recommends enjoying the experience with a.) scotch, b.) chai tea, or c.) Dr. Pepper (“in descending order of pomp” - Mark H). Join us next Sunday, Dec 20th at 8 PM EST! For more details and to register: markhtaiko.com  #MeettheArtistDavidWells #MHTpresents #randomactsoftaiko
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About Mark H

Mark H Rooney studies, performs, and teaches taiko: a dynamic form of full-body drumming based in Japanese tradition. Mark combines that traditional foundation with a modern sensibility to create performances and classes that are full of energy, endurance, and excitement!

Interested in bringing taiko to your school, organization, or event? Contact Mark H. Mark will work with you to tailor a workshop or performance to meet your needs…
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