Odaiko Sonora Fall '09

From left: A monsoon-less closing concert at this year's Fenster Ranch Camp; Moko Igarashi, composer of "Soma," visited from Tokyo to see our beautitful desert landscape; Rome (conscientiously blogging), Kate and Nicole at the Yamakazi Bakery in Little Tokyo, LA for the 7th Annual North American Taiko Conference; Lanterns and flags adorn Kokura Gion Daiko's mikoshi at a lunchtime performance during the conference.

No summertime blues here

Summer is usually a time for kicking back a little; but not for Odaiko Sonorans. Our Community Group's weekly practice grew more and more enthusiastic, as the ranks swelled with an influx of spring Adult Recreaional Taiko (ART) students. As soon as the season ended—poignantly with the final week of Fenster Ranch Camp—our instructors and performers were hosting visiting teachers, dashing off to the North American Taiko Conference for taiko training, and envisioning the new season.

Fall 2009 promises to be memorable. Not only will Odaiko Sonora have a larger presence at local events such as Tucson Meet Yourself, the All Souls Procession and Carnaval, we'll be producing our first concert in nearly two years! After the last Southern Arizona Taiko Showcase concert in Dec. 2007, we sat down to assess our circumstance. The Showcases were designed to build audience, increase repertoire and bring in master-level instructors to benefit our players (and, subsequently, our audiences). With the successful completion of our 4th Showcase, we realized those goals had been met. We've created a new vision for our annual concert. Mark your planners for Taiko Plus! Nov. 20 & 22, and stay tuned for more info on this year's show!

Rhythm Industry Review, Sept. 19

If you haven't been to a Review, you won't want to wait another month! We even have a Frequent Flyer program now! (Well, okay, Karen is kind of dreaming one up....) You'll see where performance is manufactured, dreamt up, tested, tweaked, perfected and sweated over. Join Odaiko Sonora, Batucaxé, Movement Salon, Flam Chen, Theatrical Mime Theatre and others for this informal, fabulously fun evening in the industrial heart of Tucson. Suggested $10 donation goes directly to support the space and projects by the artists who work there. 10% of this Review's proceeds will go towards the All Souls Procession on Nov. 8.

Arigatou gozaimasu!

Come play taiko

Taiko 'tweens
Thursdays, 5:30pm–6:30pm. 4 week sessions: 9/17–10/8, 10/15–11/5
For ages 7–11. Participants will learn the rudiments of Japanese ensemble drumming. Emphasis will be on having fun and playing together as a team. $40, scholarships and family rates available. Email zippy@tucsontaiko.org to enroll.

Introduction to Taiko
Saturday, Sept 19, 1:30 to 4:30pm. This session repeats on Oct. 10
This is a special three hour session is designed for those who want to learn a bit of everything about taiko and their local taiko-za. Participants gain a knowledge of the historical and cultural background, basic form and technique, drills, and traditional and modern taiko songs that make this compelling art form so unique. $25.

Adult Recreational Taiko (ART)
Saturdays, Oct. 17–Dec. 12, 2:30 to 4:30pm
Designed as a beginners' course, participants learn rudiments of Japanese ensemble drumming. Appropriate for students of many physical ability levels, with emphasis on flexibility and economy of movement. Students will learn basic kata (form), several drills and at least two songs. Graduates are invited to perform at the Dec. 12 Rhythm Industry Review. $150 for 8 weeks.

Bon Odori Tucson ASP Style
Saturdays Oct.17, Oct. 31 and Nov. 7, 1:30–2:15pm. Cart and costume making each Sat. 2:30–4:30pm
At these free community workshops, you'll learn about the ancient Japanese Buddhist ancestor festival of Obon. Obon dances are usually so simple, you can learn the basic movements after only a few minutes of watching and trying. Learn an original dance created by Odaiko Sonora specifically for Tucson's All Souls Procession, work with us to make costumes, and then join us in the Procession on Nov. 8.

Taiko Drop-in Sessions
Fridays 3pm–4:15pm. ongoing
Been thinking taiko might be fun to try? This is where to test the waters, reinforce skills and rhythms from other classes, and gain comfort with the practice of taiko. $10 class or 16 classes for $125. First session is free.

For information and to register, email karen@tucsontaiko.org

Come see us play!

Sun. Sept. 6, 6pm: Hocofest, Club Congress.

Fri. Sept. 11: Mesa Arts Center, season opening celebration, with Flam Chen

Sat. Sept. 19, 7–10pm: Rhythm Industry Review, 1013 S. Tyndall

Oct. 9, 10 or 11: Tucson Meet Yourself, time and date tbd.

Fri. Oct. 16, 7pm: Center for Spiritual Life, Berger Performing Arts Center

Sun. Nov. 8: All Souls Procession