TaikoTHRIVE Program
May 12, 2024 7pm Ordway
THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS
This activity is made possible in part by the Japan Foundation, City of St. Paul Cultural Star Program, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. This engagement is also supported by the Arts Midwest GIG Fund, a program of Arts Midwest that is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from the Minnesota State Arts Board.
TAIKO THRIVE PROGRAM
ACT 1
Kokorozashi
Performed by The Mighty Drumming Club
Composer by Tiffany Tamaribuchi, Arranged by Megan Chao Smith
Signature high energy piece composed by Tiffany Tamaribuchi. “Kokorozashi” means “with all of one’s will and determination.”
Donan Kudoki
Performed & Composed by Aki of TenTen
In winter, the northern part of Japan lies buried beneath a heavy, cold white blanket. Winters there have always been harsh, but were especially so in the period before the rise of modern transportation and mass communication. In those not so distant days, winter was a time of isolation, and there was little with which to pass the long, monotonous nights. One of the few sources of entertainment would have been the traveling shamisen players who had no choice but to brave the elements in order to eke out a meager existence.
KUDOKI is a long narrative type of song which those itinerant musicians often performed with shamisen and voice. In tonight's song, the shamisen will be played in an intense and improvised style to supplement the vocal parts and capture the rugged nature of the landscape which comprises northern Japan.
Naihatsu “burst of energy from within”
Performed by Ensō Daiko
Composed by Jennifer Weir
This piece was inspired by my dear friend and taiko superstar, Iris Shiraishi. I wrote this to lean into the sukeroku style of playing and the satisfaction that comes with big hits and big energy.
Do-Karaka Don
Performed by Aki & Ensō Daiko
Composed by Aki of TenTen
This song was composed during the Pandemic, so that people could learn and enjoy at home without having actual taiko to hit. The song elements are purposely simple so that anyone can learn and enjoy the rhythms and playful movement.
Shio no Minamoto
Performed by Ensō Daiko
Composed by Craig Johnson
Shio no Minamoto, translated poetically, means “the Source of the Tide.” The song is less a linear story than a collection of moments and movements that display the forms energy can take, here represented by the interplay of the earth, the moon, and the water. The cosmic dance partners of the moon and the earth; the water a joyous, subtle, sometimes dangerous (awe inspiring?)* manifestation of that dance's dynamic energy.
Mochizuki
Performed by Aki & Ensō Daiko
Composed by Aki of TenTen
This song premiered at the HERbeat concert in 2020 and has evolved and been played by many groups across the country. It is inspired by the “mochizuki” (rice cake pounding) celebrations that happen to celebrate the new year under a “mochizuki” (full moon).
INTERMISSION - 15 MIN
ACT 2
Hitori Uchi
Performed by Aki, Megan Chao Smith, Hiroshi Yoshino
Composed by Aki of TenTen
Fue Composed by Toki Tatara
This is my first solo taiko composition, and I wrote it to explore how much I could do with just one drum and one musician.
My friend in Japan added the fue melody, and I am so happy to have Megan and Hiroshi join me.
Kaiyo
Performed by Daichi No Kai & Ensō Daiko
Composed by Yuichi Kimura
Japan is surrounded on all sides by the ocean.
This song expresses the massiveness of the ocean through the rhythm of the Taiko.
There are three sections in this piece.
1. Expresses the big waves one sees in the Pacific Ocean and the Japan Sea in winter.
2. Expresses rapid tide that can be seen at the Akashi Strait.
3. Expresses the cheerful and bright rhythm created by the waves. It gives the feeling of being in a tropical country.
In each part, I changed the rhythm of the waves.
I hope you can imagine something of Japan that is surrounded by waves and how these waves create a part of the scenery.
Shunpuu
Performed by Ensō Daiko
Composed by Kyoshi Takahama of KODO
Shunpuu ya, toshi idakite, oka ni tatsu, A haiku by Kyoshi Takahama
(Translation: Spring wind, fighting spirit, standing thus on a hill)
When I was a student, I happened upon this haiku and, for some reason or other, it stayed with me. I used the theme of this poem to compose “Shunpuu.” The haiku is filled with determination that gives the reader a sense of bravery, and even breeziness. I hope people feel powerful and invigorated when they play “Shunpuu” and when they hear it. When we perform other people’s compositions, we can experience different values. So little by little, if taiko players exchange their values and feelings, I believe this will lead to the future development of taiko music
Sora To Kumo no Ranma
Performed by Daichi No Kai
Composed by Yuichi Kimura
The clouds floating in the sky look like a running horse. I imagined such a scene.
Daichi
Performed by Daichi No Kai
Composed by Yuichi Kimura
This song is our wish for world peace. We will play a specially arranged version today.
Kyoyo
Performed by Daichi No Kai & Ensō Daiko
Composed by Yuichi Kimura
This piece was made incorporating rhythms from sunny countries and Latin rhythms played on Japanese Taiko drums.
Though these rhythms are not familiar in Japan, in an effort to maintain characteristic Taiko techniques, I decided to play this one in the Taiko sitting style. You can picture people who live in sunny countries living passionately as expressed by the fast-paced tempo as well as the characteristic rhythms.
TaikoArts Midwest
Our mission is to produce, present, promote, and nurture artistic excellence in taiko arts, and to use taiko to build and strengthen community.
We have BIG DRUMS and BIG DREAMS. Help Taiko continue to THRIVE by joining our campaign to build a new permanent home in North End St. Paul. We will expand our capacity and impact, while also anchoring and engaging deeply in the rich, immigrant, BIPOC, and vibrant North End community.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHIES
GUEST ARTISTS
Aki of TenTen
Toronto, Canada
Aki is a Japanese traditional shamisen player and folk singer. She was a member of the historic HERbeat ensemble in 2020 and recently completed a 20 venue tour to celebrate her 20th Anniversary. She studied traditional folk music in Kyoto, and has given shamisen and vocal performances at numerous venues and events. Since arriving in Canada, Aki has furthered her pursuit of traditional Japanese music with the addition of taiko drumming. Now Associate Artistic Director with pre-eminent Canadian taiko drumming group Nagata Shachu, she teaches shamisen and voice at the Bachido Schoolhouse: International Shamisen Community online. She is also the founder of the Japanese folk ensemble "ten ten", which has released two CDs of original music and has performed with numerous artists from a variety of other cultural backgrounds and traditions. She has also choreographed dance pieces to accompany her music.
Yuchi Kimura
Kobe, Japan
Yuichi Kimura is the Artistic Director of Daichi no Kai based in Kobe, Japan. He began his professional taiko career when he was 18, and has toured for several decades both within and outside of Japan. His dream is to share Japanese culture and bring the world closer together through taiko music.
Daichi No Kai
Kobe, Japan
Based in Kobe, Japan, Taikogakudan Daichinokai was founded in 2011 by Yuichi Kimura. Their signature style is playing fast, solid rhythms which make the taiko drums sing. Their high percussion skills are regarded with high esteem throughout Japan. They passionately provide taiko workshops for children, hoping to continue to build the next generation of taiko players and enthusiasts. They also perform taiko on cruise ships, such as Queen Elisabeth and Diamond Princess, introducing many foreign visitors to Japanese culture through taiko. Their name “Daichi No Kai” has its origin in “Daichi”, a song composed by Yuichi Kimura as a requiem for victims and survivors of The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. This song reflects their mission to use taiko to build world peace for the next generation.
TAIKOARTS MIDWEST
Jennifer Weir
Executive Director, TaikoArts Midwest
Artistic Director, Ensō Daiko
Jennifer Weir is the Executive Director of Taiko Arts Midwest, Artistic Director of Ensō Daiko, and has been actively performing, creating, producing, and teaching taiko for over 25 years. She is the producer and a featured artist on the award winning feature documentary, Finding Her Beat. She is the recipient of past grants from the MN State Arts Board, Jerome Foundation, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, American Composers Forum, and Taiko Community Alliance. She has led leadership workshops for the Shannon Institute with the Wilder Foundation, and has presented at TedxUMN and the BushConnect Conference. She has led taiko workshops, residencies, and collaborations, and also has extensive background as a theater director and dramaturg. She dedicates this performance (and all future ones) to her MOM, Rosalie, and to her family, Megan & Josie.
Megan Chao Smith
Artistic Associate Director, TaikoArts Midwest
Director, The Mighty Drumming Club
Megan Chao Smith is Artistic Associate Director of TaikoArts Midwest, as well as Director of The Mighty Drumming Club. They have been playing taiko for 30 years, first falling in love with it watching Japanese taiko group, Shidara, win a Tokyo taiko contest. When not playing taiko, they love dog mushing, growing food and flowers, and aquascaping a 55-gallon freshwater aquarium. MCS gives a Shout out to the next generation of taiko players for your heart, spirit and flexibility!
ENSŌ DAIKO
Jeff Ellsworth
Jeff Ellsworth is currently a performer with Ensō Daiko and is in his 25th year of taiko. He first saw Taiko at one of Mu Daiko’s early student recitals. Jeff would like to welcome Yuichi Kimura, Daichi No Kai and Aki Takahashi back to Minnesota and thanks his parents and MN Taiko for all their support. Congratulations to Steve Lein on his retirement.
Craig Johnson
Craig Johnson is currently the Director of Operations for TaikoArts Midwest and Lead Instructor for Ensō Daiko. He has been playing taiko for 21 years, inspired by his first live taiko performance by local group Kogen Taiko. When not playing taiko he spends his time learning to make taiko drums, playing frisbee golf, and spending time with his wife Lindsay and their two cats.
SUSAN TANABE
Susan Tanabe is currently a member of Ensō Daiko and the TAM Edo Bayashi Ensemble, and has been playing taiko for 18 years. She first saw taiko before she can remember, as an infant/toddler while living in Japan. When not playing taiko, she loves to freelance with various orchestras/ensembles/artists, travel, sail, and watch baseball. Special thanks to her family for supporting her always.
Chiaki O’Brien
Chiaki O'Brien is currently a performing member of Ensō Daiko as well as an instructor and has been playing taiko for fifteen and a half years. She's also a member of TAM Edobayashi Ensemble. Chiaki's friend, Keiko Doi, pushed her to take taiko classes. Without her push, she wouldn't be having this much fun for the last fifteen and a half years. When not playing taiko, she is working at her home studio preparing to teach weaving or weaving/sewing her own project OR trail hiking or running with her dog Kazu. So, thanks and gratitude to Keiko Doi who, the first time they met, said to Chiaki, "Do TAIKO!" Chiaki also appreciates her family, Ensō Daiko members, for their endless support. THANK YOU all for coming tonight!
Junko Kumamoto
Junko Kumamoto is currently a member of Ensō Daiko and TAM Edo Bayashi Ensamble. Junko took her very first taiko lesson with her children for a parent-child class about 20 years ago. It seems they weren't interested in taiko at all, but mom was. After raising children, her journey of taiko drumming began. When not playing taiko, Junko is serving Japanese cuisine at her restaurant JK's Table in Edina, also enjoying learning Shishimai and mai (Japanese dance). Special thanks to her family, Hiroshi, Ken, Shannon, and Sean to support her taiko journey. Thank you to EVERYONE who is here today!!
Liz Kane
Liz's spark for taiko was ignited when they first saw taiko at Epcot in Disney World as a kid. Then, years of watching Mu Daiko around the Twin Cities fanned that spark into a passion, taking their class in 2008. Now, Liz brings that passion to life as a performing member of Ensō Daiko. When not at the drum, Liz is an avid traveler, a dedicated reader, and a tireless explorer of the city's hidden gems. A special shout-out to Nick for endless support through countless rehearsals and those moments when the rhythm takes hold, transforming laps and steering wheels into impromptu taiko practice spaces!
Hiroshi Yoshino
Hiroshi Yoshino is currently a member of Ensō Daiko & TAM Edo Bayashi Ensemble and has been playing taiko for 8 years. Hiroshi grew up seeing Taiko at local festivals in his native country, Japan. However, he picked up his first bachis (drum sticks) after he moved to Minnesota. When not playing taiko, Hiroshi enjoys camping, traveling, and playing fue (bamboo flute). Special thanks to the audience for being here for us today. Thank you to his TAM friends for their guidance and helping him grow. Arigato to his family for creating a safe and comforting space for him.
Rose Chu
Rose Chu is honored to be an intern with Ensō Daiko and has been playing taiko on and off for over 25 years. She first fell in love with taiko when she saw Rick Shiomi (co-founder of Theater Mu and founder of Mu Daiko) perform at an event. Look what you started, Rick! When not playing taiko, Rose loves her life's work in education, especially elevating the teaching profession, and enjoys nature walks and theater performances. Rose is eternally grateful to the many trailblazing taiko artists who created and/or continue to advance the taiko community.
Vanessa East
Vanessa East is currently a performing intern with Ensō Daiko, and has been playing taiko for 11 years. She first learned about Minnesota taiko completely by accident, stumbling upon a community performance by Ensō Daiko members in 2012, and she decided then and there that she would sign up for an Intro to Taiko workshop as soon as she was able - and the rest is history! When not playing taiko, she can be found reading, walking, baking, crafting, configuring websites, gaming, and/or showing someone a picture of her cat. Shout-out to her weird, wonderful, and talented friends and family who continue to support her hitting things with sticks and having a marvelous time.
Lydia Komatsu
Lydia Komatsu (she/her) is currently an Ensō Daiko intern, and has been playing taiko for 4 years. She grew up hearing stories about her family members in Japan who were Taiko drummers, and saw Mu Daiko perform as a child. She knew Taiko was in her future and finally in 2020 she took her first Taiko class. Lydia dedicates this performance to her family, friends, and everyone who takes their shoes off at the entrance of a home. When not playing Taiko, Lydia can be found making lattes, hanging out with her partner and 9 year old son, creating art, sweeping her kitchen, watching horror movies, cuddling with her ancient, blind dog and so much more. Shout out to Dawn Komatsu for Mother's Day, and her partner, Matt, for supporting her Taiko journey
Kimi Aisawa Romportl
Kimi Aisawa Romportl is currently an intern, and has been playing taiko leisurely for about 24 years. They first fell in love with taiko when watching a live taiko performance in Minneapolis. When not playing taiko they love to be outside - hiking, kayaking/boating, walking my dog, skiing, and exploring. Shout out, Special thanks to my husband, daughter, and Jen Weir.
Alyssa Romportl
Alyssa Romportl is currently an Ensō Daiko intern, and has been playing taiko for almost 5 years. She first saw taiko probably as a baby. Alyssa grew up watching her mom play with Kogen Taiko and has always loved the way taiko can be felt throughout the body. She dedicates this performance to her family for being so supportive of her taiko journey. When not playing taiko she can be seen in the lab, doing research and looking at brains. Alyssa wants to give a special thanks to Jen Weir for letting her be a part of this experience and organizing so many incredible taiko opportunities for her.
THE MIGHTY DRUMMING CLUB
GABRIEL WALLENFELDT (he/him) I saw Kodo when it came to Rochester in 2019 but really got interested after watching an Ensō Daiko performance last June. I’ve been playing six or seven months. When not playing taiko, I can be seen playing guitar, gaming, singing. Shout out to my mother, who once played taiko when she was in Japan.
IVY CLAY-BUCK (they/them) I first saw taiko when I came to class. I’ve been playing for 7 months, can be found reading and drawing, and a shout out to my Grandma!
HIROKO ZELEKE has been playing taiko since the fall. She first saw taiko when she was a little kid in North Carolina, and ever since loves seeing taiko performances. When not playing taiko, Hiroko enjoys reading, writing, drawing and can often be seen playing the taiko themed video game, Taiko no Tatsujin. She would like to give a shout out to her mom and brother for all their support in Hiroko's interests.
EMI URABE (she/her) I first saw taiko when my parents wanted me to try it, and I liked it. I’ve been playing about six months. When I’m not playing taiko, you can find me playing volleyball, or hanging out with friends and cousins. I’d like to give a shout out to my grandparents Junko and Teruo, and my aunties and cousins.
JOSEPHINE SMITH-WEIR (she/they) The first time I saw taiko was probably my whole life, idk! I’ve been playing taiko 6-7 years maybe? Only started getting really serious these last 2-3 years, though. In the winter when not playing taiko, I can be found playing hockey or ice skating, and any other time uhhh playing video games and roller blading. I give a shout out to my moms!
KAI TODSEN (he/him) The first time I saw taiko was I saw Finding Her Beat at the theater. I’ve been playing four months. When I’m not doing taiko, I’m playing video games, and I give a shout out to Toothless, my source of inspiration.
NILS HILLESON (he/him) I first got into taiko when I started this class. I’ve been playing for 4 months. When I’m not playing taiko, I am playing games online with friends. I want to give a shout out to my mom and dad.
NICO GONZALEZ (he/him) The first time I saw taiko was during the first lesson. I’ve been playing for three months. When not play taiko, you can find me playing soccer or with nerf guns.
XIXI LU REISING (any)I first saw taiko in the film, Finding Her Beat. I’ve been playing for 4 months. When not playing taiko, I can be found to be doing and being amazing. I give a shout out to my teachers, Megan and Jen!
ALEX KOHLER (he/him) I first saw taiko when I went to my first taiko practice at my school. I first fell in love with it when we started to learn rhythms and get more into the song. I've been playing for 6 months. When not playing taiko you can find me jumping off of swings and being outside. Special shout out to my mom and Sensei Megan.
SPECIAL THANKS
All of our MOMS
Steven Lein & MN Taiko
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
The Mighty Drumming Club Parents
Staiger, Vitelli & Associates
Smiling Drum
Rich Ryan
Keri Pickett
Micah Minnema
Teo Nguyen
Urban Growler
Erin Gregory
Kevin Brown, SmartSet Inc.
TAM STAFF & BOARD
Jennifer Weir, Executive Director, Artistic Director
Megan Chao Smith, Artistic Associate Director, Youth Director
Jennifer Cho, Business Manager
Craig Johnson, Director of Operations
Su-Yoon Ko, Outreach Coordinator
Chiaki O’Brien, Instructor
Iris Shirashi, Artistic Associate
Hailey Gabriel, Board President
Katrina Mendoza, Board VP
Joshua Vang, Board Treasurer
Jennifer Houston, Board Member
Liz Kane, Board Member
Gloria Kumagai, Board Member
Dayna Martinez, Board Member
Wesley Mouri, Board Member
Tommy Sar, Board Member
Sarah Senseman, Board Member
Rick Shiomi, Board Member