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Taiko is growing rapidly in the U.S. Even here
in Arizona, opportunities now abound to watch and participate in
this compelling and physically engaging art form. Below is a list
of Arizona taiko resources.
Taiko
in Tucson |
MoGan Daiko
— No longer active, but honored as the parent
group of both Odaiko Sonora and Suzuyuki-Kai Taikoza. Founder
and sensei Stanley Morgan has been a practitioner of taiko
since the 1960s and helped to found several taiko groups
in the Los Angeles and Seattle areas. His early innovations
in constructing taiko out of wine barrels revolutionized
building of North American taiko. Upon settling in Tucson
in the mid-90s, Mr. Morgan re-started his own group, MoGan
Daiko. He shared his master drum-building skills with members
of Fushicho Daiko and Odaiko Sonora, and passed on his love
of taiko to people of all ages. In 2002, illness forced
him to scale back his activities, and his existing students
founded Odaiko Sonora and helped establish Suzuyuki-Kai
Odori School’s taiko-za. Today, Mr. Morgan’s
teachings and spirit continue on through the work of nearly
all the Arizona taiko groups.
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Odaiko Sonora:
Southern AZ's Taiko-za! — Founded in May 2002
by Karen Falkenstrom and Rome Hamner, Odaiko Sonora is dedicated
to bringing firsthand knowledge of taiko and the opportunities
it presents for physical, mental, and spiritual growth to
the communities of Southern Arizona. The group offers ongoing
taiko instruction, school residencies, and community/corporate
workshops that focus on team-building, history & culture,
drum construction, and more. Through national and international
taiko networks, Odaiko Sonora is able to bring to our region
such taiko masters as Yoshikazu Fujjimoto of KODO, PJ and
Roy Hirabayashi of San Jose Taiko, Tiffany Tamaribuchi of
Sacramento Taiko Dan, and the award-winning Japanese group,
Shidara.
Odaiko Sonora is listed in the Arizona
Commission on the Arts Teaching Artist Roster and produces
an annual showcase concert highlighting Arizona taiko groups.
Call (520) 327-1228 or email info@tucsontaiko.org
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Suzuyuki-Kai Mogan
Daiko — Founded by Mari Kaneta in
1984, Suzyuyuki-Kai is a classical Japanese dance (odori)
ensemble of the highest caliber—the only such ensemble
in Southern Arizona. Several members played with MoGan Daiko
at various times. They have formed a taiko-za, or ensemble,
within the dance company, combining odori with taiko drums
in performance. In 2007, Suzuyuki-Kai Taikoza officially
changed it's name to reflect its mission of carrying on
Stan Morgan's legacy. Contact: suzuyuki@aol.com
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Tucson Taiko Kyokai
— This taiko
cooperative dedicated to sharing the spirit of taiko was
founded in 2006 by former students of Odaiko Sonora. Classes
are are held at the Lighthouse/City YMCA, Mo-Sun Art and
Wellness Center, and Star Valley in southwest Tucson. More
Information on the YMCA and Star Valley classes can be obtained
at info@tucsontaikokai.com
and information on the Mo-Sun Art and Wellness Center can
be obtained at info@mo-sun.com
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Taiko in Phoenix
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Fushicho Daiko
— Founded in 1992 by Esther Vandecar soon after her
return from several years living and playing taiko in Japan,
Fushicho Daiko performs over 50 times each year and has
become a feature at Japanese-themed events throughout the
Phoenix valley.The group's current members have over 60
years of performance experience between them and most appear
on the Arizona Commission on the Arts Teaching Artist Roster.
The group regularly conducts school residencies and workshops,
along with leading taiko classes for youth and adults. Contact
Esther at esther@taikoaz.com.
See their website www.taikoaz.com
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Kyo Rei
Taiko Kai — A program of the Japanese-American
Citizens League of Phoenix, Kyo Rei is the oldest group in
Arizona. Contact Ted Namba (623) 572-9913 or email caseyfolks@aol.com.
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