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FOR ADULTS

Adult Community Workshops
Tuesday, January 24th
Thursday, February 2nd
7 – 9:30 pm / $40
No experience necessary!

Kihon I: Beginning
Mondays, February 6th - March 12th
6 - 7:30 pm / $96
Prerequisites: Adult Community Workshop

NEW! Drop-In Taiko Classes
3 Sunday Sessions
January 22nd, February 19th & March 11th
5:30 - 7:30 pm / $20 per class
Prerequisites: Completion of at least one Kihon I class

Kihon II: Intermediate
Wednesdays, January 25th – March 7th
7:45 - 9:15 pm / $96
NO Class February 8th
Prerequisite: Completion of at least 2 Kihon I classes + recommendation of Kihon I: Beginning Taiko Teacher

Gambaru: Performance Training
Mondays, January 23rd – March 5th
8 – 9:30 pm / $112
Prerequisite: Invitation from Gambaru: Performance Training Teacher

FOR YOUTH
Ages 7 and up

Kitsune Taiko: Youth Beginning
Sundays, February 5th – March 11th
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm / $72

Tanuki Taiko: Youth Advanced
Wednesdays, January 11th - March 14th
(No class February 8th)
6- 7:30 pm / $126
Prerequisite: Recommendation of Tora Taiko: Youth Intermediate Teacher

Tanuki Taiko Trainees
Wednesdays, February 1st - March 14th
(No class February 8th)
6- 7:30 pm / $84
Prerequisite: Recommendation of Tora Taiko: Youth Intermediate Teacher

All are welcome to join us to play taiko, learn, and honor Asian American culture!

Portland Taiko offers the following workshops and classes to adults and kids who want to explore the art and cultural context of taiko:

Adult Community Workshop is an excellent entryway to learn about the art and history of taiko. Everyone will experience first-hand the energy and power of the drums through playing. Basic background history on the art form of taiko and Portland Taiko will be shared. No experience necessary!

Kihon I: Beginning is an energetic class that introduces adult students to the fundamentals of playing taiko. The emphasis is to learn basic taiko form, learning the oral tradition, and exploring the history of taiko in Japan and North America. Prerequisite: Adult Community Workshop

Drop-In Taiko Class is a two-hour class experience with lots of fun, sweat, and taiko! This once a month all-level class for current and returning students is a great complement to any taiko class and provides the time to drill taiko exercises and repertoire. This special Winter 2012 class session may fill up quickly. Pre-registration is encouraged.

Kihon II: Intermediate builds on the basic concepts learned in Kihon I. Review the basics of taiko and progress to more challenging taiko vocabulary with new taiko drills, repertoire, and soloing. This class will also focus on refining form through more advanced taiko movement. Students will learn and discuss Portland Taiko's history and mission. Prerequisite: Recommendation of Kihon I Instructor.

Issho Ni: Advanced focuses on ensemble playing. Apply all the accumulated basic taiko skills from Kihon I & II to bring Portland Taiko’s signature pieces to life as a team. Learn diverse ensemble roles – supporting other players through ji-uchi (base beat), developing self-expression on the taiko, and mutually listening to each other to keep the songs together. Students will learn context of Portland Taiko’s artistic work and its connection to the mission of the organization.
Prerequisite: Completion of at least 2-3 Kihon II classes + recommendation of Kihon II:Intermediate Taiko Teacher

Gambaru: Performance Training is an invite-only class honing individual taiko skills while developing solid ensemble playing. This class challenges students to take ownership and responsibility for personal taiko growth in and out of the class. It also prepares students with performance skills and context to transition into joining Portland Taiko’s performing group as a Community Group member.
Prerequisite: Invitation from Gambaru: Performance Training Teacher

Koshi and the Powerful Taiko Player exercises your "koshi," the invisible tire that rides on your hips and acts as a stabilizing foundation for a strong taiko form. Learn to lower your center of gravity and engage core with body awareness exercises and application of koshi to Japanese folk dance.

Taiko Building Workshop teaches the basics behind the North American taiko of barrel style drum-building. The workshop includes a slide show demonstration on building a taiko and hands on experience to make a practice taiko. For an additional material charge, a limited number of people can sign up to take home a pvc practice drum! Prerequisites: none. Please bring a sack lunch.

Parent-Child Workshop is an hour-long introductory workshop for kids and parents to get a delightful experience of taiko together! Activities include stretching, drum rolls, repeating basic rhythms and taiko games encouraging cooperation and focused energy.
No experience necessary!

Youth Workshop is an introductory workshop designed for youth (ages 7-16) who are interested in experiencing firsthand the power of taiko. Attendees will learn rhythmic patterns, taiko stance (kata), and basic history of taiko.
No experience necessary!

Usagi Taiko: Kids (ages 4-6) Be as energetic as a bunny! This class introduces the basics of taiko playing, including stance (kata), simple rhythms and playing with others through fun, interactive taiko games and exercises.
No experience necessary!

Kitsune Taiko: Youth Beginning (ages 7+) Be as quick as a fox! Take the first steps to taiko playing. Students will play their first taiko song, understand the 3 principles of taiko – respect, cooperation, and perseverance, learn Japanese phrases and numbers and explore the cultural aspects of the art form.
No experience necessary!

Tora Taiko: Youth Intermediate (ages 7+) Be as courageous as a tiger! Move to the intermediate step of playing taiko. Students will learn new taiko songs, develop stronger taiko basics, and experience how to play independently with focus on the naname (slant style) of playing taiko.
Prerequisite: Recommendation of Kitsune: Youth Beginning Taiko Teacher

Tanuki Taiko: Youth Advanced Be as clever as a badger! Students will focus on ensemble work and the group creation of new, original Tanuki Taiko compositions. Emphasis will be to sharpen technical taiko skills and form in preparation of 3 public performances a year.
Prerequisite: Recommendation of Tora Taiko: Youth Intermediate Teacher

Youth Camp (ages 10-16) is a week-long summer camp where youth can immerse themselves in practicing taiko and learn about the cultural aspects of the art form. Students connect the three principles of taiko – respect, cooperation, and perseverance – through taiko drills, taiko songs, arts & crafts, rhythm games, Japanese dance, and much more! Make new taiko friends in this fun taiko-filled experience.
No experience necessary!

Classes and Workshops fill up quickly, so please make sure to register early! All classes and workshops are held at PT's rehearsal studio space. We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing and bringing a water bottle.

Register Online or fill out our registration form and mail it with your tuition to our studio at 3230 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97211.

Limited scholarships are available for all classes and workshops in exchange for volunteer time (please contact office for more information). Email us or call 503.288.2456 if you have any questions.

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