Mark H Rooney Taiko

Taiko Instructor & Performer

Kris Bergstrom: Artist in Residence

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Announcing our first Artist in Residence for 2018: Kris Bergstrom!

Kris Bergstrom

One of our goals here at Mark H Taiko is to help everyone in our local taiko community experience a wide variety of taiko workshops and performances. And one of our favorite ways to do that is to bring amazing taiko players here to DC. So we are delighted to announce that Kris Bergstrom will be joining us in February for a week of workshops, classes, and a special performance!

Kristofer Bergstrom is an accomplished taiko performer, composer, and choreographer, known for pushing the tonal possibilities of Japanese drums and for his groundbreaking movement for slant-style taiko.  He was a founding member of On Ensemble, formed Los Angeles Taiko Institute alongside Yuta Kato, and is currently 2017-2018 Artist in Residence for Los Angeles County.

Kris will teach two open workshops as well as giving a special performance during his time in DC. He’ll also be stopping by our classes during the week and is available for private lessons – if you’re interested in booking some time with him, contact Mark H.

 The Naname Stylings of Kris Bergstrom

Sat, Feb 17, 6-9pm

Kris teaching

Learn the guiding principles of Kris’ unique approach to slant-style choreography, some advanced rhythm techniques he’s developed, and some of his newest work. Open to anyone with experience playing naname-uchi!

More info & registration   click here

 Easing into composition: three ways to write your first piece

Sun, Feb 18, 11am-2pm

https://www.markhrooney.com/event/meet-artist-kris-bergstrom/?instance_id=4593Learn the techniques that have helped Kris overcome his fears of composition and choreography to find compelling creations, as well as composition exercises that reveal the practical details. Open to players of all levels.

More info & registration   click here

 Sign up for both workshops and save!

Sign up for BOTH workshops to make the most of Kris’ visit to the DC area and save $20!

 Meet the Artist

Sun, Feb 18, 7:30pm

Kris Bergstrom setJoin Kris as he presents some of his newest work for taiko in an intimate and informal setting.

More info   click here

Spring & Summer 2017 Preview

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Thanks to everyone who came out to see us during Cherry Blossom season! Our fifth annual Sakura Taiko Fest was a great success and we’re so glad to see this gathering of east coast taiko players get bigger and better every year.

STF 2017-GroupSTF 2017- STF 2017- Adult Rec Class

We’re filled with energy from sakura season and from our fantastic Intro Workshop last week, which is good because we have lots of great stuff coming up this spring and summer. Our Adult Rec Class and Advanced Skills Class are  kicking off this week, and both will be performing at our next Mark H Taiko recital on Sunday, June 25 at 7:00 pm.

Mark also has a lot of fun performances coming up in the next couple of months.

Glen Echo Park Carousel Day 2017

APR 29

Join Mark H for the Opening of the Carousel’s 97th Season!
Publick Playhouse

MAY 13

An Introduction to Japanese Drumming
Takoma Porch 2017

MAY 27

Takoma Porch 2017
Get Ready for a Unique Music Festival

 

And for those planning ahead, Mark is looking forward to seeing taiko friends both old and new at the North American Taiko Conference happening in San Diego this August.
NATC 2017

Mark is serving as assistant conference coordinator this year, and has been spending a lot of time behind the scenes to make it a fantastic event!
Happy Spring, everyone!

Summer 2016 Preview

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Miyako Taiko

The weather here in DC has felt anything but springlike lately – there’s no doubt that we are all ready for summer to arrive!

As always, we here at Mark H Taiko have some excitement up our sleeves, so here’s a brief glimpse at some of what’s coming this summer…

Performances:

The Mark H Taiko crew will be back at one of our favorite venues, the Washington Folk Festival on June 4.

Mark H will be performing at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival from June 29 – July 4.

Miyako Taiko will bring their energy to the Takoma Park 4th of July Parade again this year, and Mark H will be joining ilyAIMY at the fireworks celebration that evening!

Mark H will continue his collaboration with modern dancer Keira Hart-Mendoza in performances at the Kitchen Sink Festival on July 30 & 31. (Taiko + dance in a one-minute performance? Not to be missed!)

Workshops:

Mark H Taiko will be hosting workshops with a couple of very special guest instructors! Kenji Furutate will visit in early June, and Michelle Fujii will give a special workshop open to all taiko players on June 26.

For those who are new to taiko, our next Introductory Taiko Workshop is happening on July 17, and the next session of the adult Recreational Class begins July 24!

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