Odaiko Sonora spring 2010 news

Our intention is to affirm this life... simply to wake up to the very life we're living... –John Cage on the arts

Dear friends,

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of Stanley Morgan, master drum builder and pioneer of taiko in North America. Mr. Morgan was Rome and Karen's first taiko sensei, and the central force in bringing taiko to southern Arizona.

Before learning of Mr. Morgan's passing, this enews was to be focused on advocacy for local arts. And it still must be..., because time is short., because the situation is dire, because art teaches us what is best (and worst) about being human, because the arts help us navigate hard times, grief, change, and everyone should have access to the healing and dealing-with power of the arts.

Mr. Morgan's dream was to bring the joys, the discipline and the physical and mental benefits of taiko to people wherever he lived. He inspired us to found our group, and we try to carry on his spirit when we go out to schools and festivals.

We are only able to do community work through programs made possible by public funding. There are no rich donors or corporations paying for the ongoing, inglorious day-to-day work we do in schools, or for appearances at free public events such as Tucson Meet Yourself. We are able to do those things because of guidance and funding from the Tucson Pima Arts Council, Arizona Commission on the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts and other organizations that channel your tax dollars toward the human need for creativity, making meaning and connection. Help us deliver arts to those who need it most.

Please add your name in support of public funding for the arts today sign the petition

Arigato gozaimasu!