KEIKO ARAKI

Keiko took time out of her laid-back, but busy schedule to answer our questions...

What did you want to be when you grew up?
A violin soloist; as I grew up I soon realized I was not of that caliber, so my new goal was to make my living as "just" a violinist (orchestra or chamber music).

What was your first job?
Playing in a violin and piano duo in the fancy dining room of the Chateau Lake Louise for a month one summer.

How did your elders prepare you for life?
My parents have always been very supportive; they made me believe I could do anything I wanted and taught me to be strong and think for myself.

What is your favorite food?
Noodle soup.

When did you first see Portland Taiko?
Hawaii Fest in Vancouver, summer 2006.

What other instruments do you play?
Piano (besides violin).

If you were an instrument, what would you be?
I am having the worst time answering this question. Oddly enough, I don't think I would be a violin, but I can't think of what I would be instead!

What are your proudest accomplishments?
Graduating at the top of my high school class and getting a job in the Oregon Symphony violin section.

Where are three places you want to go, but have never been?
Europe, the Grand Canyon, the Yukon and/or Northwest Territories.

What keeps you involved with PT?
The sense of family that is built around shared love of taiko.

What other Portland community groups are you involved with?
...And why are they important to you?
I volunteer with SMART (Start Making A Reader Today). I read one-on-one every week with two different children to build their reading skills and develop their interest in books.

Thanks for indulging us, Keiko! We're so glad that you're a part of our organization!

For more information about Keiko's work, please visit the Oregon Symphony.