Choose your own taiko adventure!
Y’all know that we like to mix things up here at the Mark H Rooney Taiko School! So we’re trying something BRAND NEW for our Winter 2024 session … offering not one, but TWO Styles Classes!
About our styles classes
These 8-week classes help students explore, develop, and enjoy different kinds of taiko. Mark H uses guided feedback to help you understand the movement and mechanics of a given style. These classes move at a faster pace than the Rec Class and are appropriate for students looking to learn new techniques for the first time or for more established players who want to develop their form and taiko vocabulary.
NANAME FUNDAMENTALS
When:
Sundays: 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Jan 28; Feb 4, 11, 25; Mar 3, 10, 17, 24
(Plus Sakura Taiko Fest on March 30!)
Where:
Dance Exchange
7117 Maple Ave, Takoma Park, MD
Cost:
$250 for class series (8 sessions)
Learn the fundamentals of Naname uchi!
If you’re ready to try one of the most popular taiko styles out there OR if you’d like a refresher on your naname skills, this fundamentals class is right for you.
Naname uchi is an asymmetrical style of taiko that involves playing on a slanted stand. This engaging style originated in festival drumming in the Tokyo region and was formalized by the group Oedo Sukeroku. Naname has since become a staple of the North American taiko community because of its endless potential for creativity and expressive movement.
Prerequisite: Instructor’s permission needed – please ask Mark H if this class is a good fit for you BEFORE registering for this class series! At least 2 Rec Class series (or 1 year of taiko experience) are a good starting point for this series, and you’ll also need a solid sense of timing and body awareness.
Registration Coming Soon!
Our Styles Classes are popular and often fill up – watch this space and reserve your spot as soon as registration opens!
INTERMEDIATE ODAIKO
When:
Tuesdays: 8:00 – 10:00 pm
Jan 30; Feb 6, 13, 27; Mar 5, 12, 19, 26
(Plus Sakura Taiko Fest on March 30!)
Where:
Dance Exchange
7117 Maple Ave, Takoma Park, MD
Cost:
$250 for class series (8 sessions)
Continue your Odaiko journey!
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.
Odaiko is a challenging style that defines a pursuit for many taiko players around the world. This powerful style demands stamina and body-mechanical awareness in a big way. In this session, we’ll take a more in-depth look at odaiko technique and form while also encouraging everyone to develop their own solos and styles of expression.
Prerequisite: Instructor’s permission needed – please ask Mark H if this class is a good fit for you BEFORE registering for this class series! At least one previous odaiko class series (not just a single workshop) is required.
Registration Coming Soon!
Our Styles Classes are popular and often fill up – watch this space and reserve your spot as soon as registration opens!
NEW MARK H TAIKO PROTOCOLS STARTING FALL 2023
Throughout the pandemic, we’ve been carefully following protocols for the safety and comfort of our students and instructors.
- Beginning in Fall 2023, masks will be OPTIONAL in our workshops and classes
- This is subject to change based on community COVID levels
- Instructors are fully vaccinated and will stay up-to-date with boosters as available