Taiko basics workshop for members and friends of Humboldt Taiko.
Warmup
- copycat (Matsuri phrases)
- names and stretch (Minh lead)
grip
- wrist/elbow/shoulder range
- using "thenar web space" to minimize wrist involvement
- 16's Drill (short version)
-- 1 2 3 4 2 2 3 4 3 2 3 4 4 2 3 4
-- R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R
-- L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L
-- RLR R R RLR R R RLR R R RLR R R
-- LRL L L LRL L L LRL L L LRL L L
-- RLRLR R RLRLR R RLRLR R RLRLR R
-- LRLRL L LRLRL L LRLRL L LRLRL L
-- RLRLRLR RLRLRLR RLRLRLR RLRLRLR
-- LRLRLRL LRLRLRL LRLRLRL LRLRLRL
-- RLRLRLRL RLRLRLRL RLRLRLRL RLRLRLR
-- LRLRLRLR LRLRLRLR LRLRLRLR LRLRLRL
-- full version of 16's drill: pg 9 in the 30 Days workbook
philosophy
- "kata" should be empowering
-- musically: reliability, precision
-- aesthetically: matching stage persona to real persona
- my specific approach
-- "task focus" vs "showing off"
-- grace/fluidity over "strength"
-- efficiency
-- path of bachi
-- flattering body position
L-hand strike
- more ergonomic
-- elbow automatically moves naturally
- "assisted strike": gentle push on upper arm toward drum helps feel "whip"
- "K-style checkpoints"
-- bicep touches nose
-- tip of bachi on "drum axis" at bottom and top of pull-up
R-hand strike
- R elbow bends toward drum
-- requires non-standard positioning of upper body
- imagine pulling rope / heavy bachi to coordinate whole body
- "assisted strike" possible
additional materials
16's Drill (long version)
Jack Bazaar example arrangement with notation and videos
"BPM" playlist, music I like to drum to (useful for JB practice)
Downloadable group photo
Great time with a great group! Thank you, Humboldt Taiko!