Taiko drums have been around for a couple of thousand years, traditionally used in the background to keep the beat for dancers and singers during festivals or to create the sound effects offstage in Noh and Kabuki theatre. As a performance art in its own right, it is actually quite new, having been developed in the 1950s by a Japanese jazz drummer, Daihachi Oguchi. Since then, the art of taiko drumming has spread across the globe, including the South West of England!
Taiko South West comes under the umbrella of Kagemusha Taiko, founded in 1998 by Artistic Director, Jonathan Kirby. Our Taiko Centre is near Newton Abbot in Devon, where we offer the company’s adult performing group, Tano Taiko, as well as taiko experiences for schools and other organisations throughout the South West.
In our workshops, participants get to grips with the basics of taiko drumming, try out some simple drills and learn a fun choreographed piece. Whilst not marketed as therapeutic, there are many benefits to taiko drumming: it’s great physical exercise and good “brain gym”. It’s also a lot of fun and can lead to a real sense of achievement.
Suitable for all ages over 12.
Previous workshop participants have said:
“A fantastic day. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to come again. It’s definitely something I could get into.”
“We had a great time. Thank you for the warm welcome. If we weren’t so far away, we’d definitely join you more regularly.”
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