Odaiko Sonora Winter '08 News

From left: Karen’s dad managed to capture her moment of fame at the Rose Parade by taking a photo of his TV set!; Fushicho Daiko’s Waka-IKAZUCHI youth group performs at last year’s Matsuri; the Odaiko Sonora Matsuri 2008 crew; Shidara spans the breadth of expression from exuberant dance to powerful odaiko, all with unparalleled virtuosity.

Get ‘em while they’re young

As you probably know, the arts are critical to a child’s complete education. Young people who consistently participate in the arts are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, three times more likely to be elected to class office, four times more likely to participate in a math and science fair, and three times more likely to win an award for school attendance! Taiko, in particular, enhances teamwork and communication skills in an environment of respect, discipline, creativity, and fun. Involvement in taiko fulfills a number of AZ State Educational Standards in both Music and Physical Activity.

Unfortunately, funding for arts and arts education is once again imperiled. A recent study shows that although our city has grown by 150% in the last 15 years, arts funding has actually decreased! Tucson now ranks as nearly the worst city of its size in per capita spending to support the arts. At the bottom of this newsletter, you’ll find a sample letter and a list of email addresses for our City’s elected leaders. Please take five minutes to let your elected officials know the arts matter to you.

Scholarships for Kids!

And now for the good news: on Thurs., Feb. 21, we launch unique 5-week kids' classes for ’tweens and teens. Odaiko Sonora is teaming up with City of Tucson Wards 5 and 6 to make these educational, artistic, fun opportunities affordable to families who might otherwise find the class fees a hardship. Email karen@tucsontaiko.org or call (520) 327-1228 to learn more about the scholarships.

  • Taiko Tweens For ages 8–12

    5-weeks starting Thurs., Feb. 21, 5:30pm–6:30pm
    Participants will learn about Japanese ensemble drumming, simple rhythms, terms and cultural info. Emphasis will be on playing together as a team and having tons of fun.

  • Youth Taiko Group For ages 12–young adult

    5-weeks starting Thurs., Feb. 21, 6:15–7:30pm
    Participants will learn the rudiments of Japanese ensemble drumming, including basic terms, dojo etiquette, and some historical, cultural and spiritual contexts of taiko drumming. Emphasis will be on coordination, focus, expression, and playing together as a team.

Both units are $75 each with full scholarships available.

Upcoming Events

Matsuri

It’s time once again for the largest Japanese cultural fair in the western US— Phoenix’s Matsuri: A Celebration of Japan. Matsuri runs Feb. 23-24 in Heritage Square Park in Phoenix. For the third-year running, Esther-sensei of Fushicho Daiko has coordinated a stage that will feature groups and performers from throughout the state. (The Matsuri organizers call it the ASU Stage, but we know better as the Taiko Stage.) Odaiko Sonora will perform from 3:30-4:30 on Saturday. This year also marks the third year Fushicho Daiko has created the All AZ Taiko Performance. An astounding spectacle, All AZ Taiko features more than 75% of the taiko players in our state, collaborating on songs Esther-sensei has taught all of us. This year, the spectacle will take place at 11:45 on Saturday and 11:30 Sunday, and will be over 40 players strong! Don’t miss it!

Shidara at the Fox Tucson Theatre, Sun. April 20, 7pm

This phenomenal taiko group from Toei, Japan, begins its massive 2008 Tour in late March. Their Tucson concert is selling briskly, so get your seats soon. Tickets are on sale at the Fox Tucson Theatre box office, by calling (520) 624-1515, online, and locally at Antigone Books, Plaza Liquors or Enchanted Earthworks. As you may know, Karen will be serving as Road Manager for the group’s second U.S. Tour, which includes California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Idaho and Alaska. Read the whole schedule at Shidara's official website and stay tuned for her travel blog starting March 25!

Arigatou gozaimasu!