Odaiko Sonora news: fall 2010

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From left: Rural Residencies 2010: (from left) Kuma-san, honorable taiko bear, explains how taiko traveled all the way from Japan to Sunizona, AZ; Elementary school kids play "Beat the Beat" with Rome; Ft. Thomas high school students ready for a performance; Nicole teaches 1st–3rd graders about the parts of a taiko

Travelogue

This has been, by far, the fullest summer since Odaiko Sonora started in 2002! Our summer vacation included:

  • five weeks of summer camps
  • four school residencies
  • three 4-week Adult Recreational Taiko (ART) classes
  • two public library presentations
  • a team-building workshop
  • a Rhythm Industry Review
  • a full-length theatrical concert, and
  • keeping up with our regular weekly 'tweens classes, Community Group and Performing Ensemble practices

All of that might make one think we're tired. But it's the opposite: we're energized and excited about what's coming up this fall! Highlights include our first public appearance of the season at Hocofest on Sunday, Sept. 26, 4pm. That'll be followed quickly by Tucson Meet Yourself on Saturday, Oct. 9. The Odaiko Sonora table will be in the Main LIbrary plaza and we'll perform a 45 minute set on the TCC Plaza Stage in the afternoon.

All hands & hearts on deck! Sat. Oct. 2, 7–10pm

Those of you who have attended one of the quarterly Rhythm Industry Reviews know it's a unique evening of performance, community, and hands-on fun. Because of your past support and the constant care of our resident artists, the studio finds itself able to do a bit more for community arts events this fall. The upcoming Review will be dedicated entirely to the All Souls Procession. ALL proceeds will go towards helping MMOS raise the $50,000 required. Please come; please give; please help make this unique community ritual a possibility.

Classes


New ART and Otaka Youth Taiko classes start Sept. 11 and 16, and our annual free, Bon Odori workshops for the All Souls Procession begin Oct. 21. Friday drop-in continues each week at 3pm. Call (520) 481-8003 or email karen@tucsontaiko.org for info.

Learn to Play!
Dubbed by one of our long-time fans "the closest thing to immediate musical gratification," taiko promotes focus, physical awareness and fun fun fun. Your first session is always free.

Adult Recreational Taiko (ART)
Saturdays, 2:30–4:30pm, 4-week session runs Sept. 11–Oct. 2; 8-week session begins Oct. 16
Designed as an beginners' course, participants learn rudiments of Japanese ensemble drumming, including historical and cultural background. 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. 4-week class is $75. 8-week is $150. This session's participants are invited to perform with Odaiko Sonora at Tucson Meet Yourself on Oct. 9!

Taiko Drop-in
Fridays, 3:00–4:15pm
Been thinking taiko might be fun to try? This is a place to to test the waters, reinforce skills and rhythms from other classes, and gain comfort with the practice of taiko. $10 class or 8 class punchcard for $75. First time drop-in is free, and should call or email to let us know you will be coming 481-8003 karen@tucsontaiko.org

Otaka Youth Taiko
Ongoing 4-week sessions. Next session begins Sept. 16
For ages 7–11. Participants will learn the rudiments of Japanese ensemble drumming and have tons of fun. Emphasis will be on having fun and playing together as a team. $40/month. Scholarships available. Email zippy@tucsontaiko.org for info and to register.

Bon Odori, Tucson ASP Style
Thursday, Oct. 21, 5;30–6:30pm; Saturdays, Oct. 23 & 30, 12:30–2:15pm
At these free community workshops, you'll learn about Obon, the ancient Japanese Buddhist ancestor festival. A central part of the festival is the Bon Odori, or community dance. Obon dances are usually so simple you can learn the basic movements after only a few minutes of watching. Learn an original dance created by Odaiko Sonora specifically for Tucson's All Souls Procession. Work with us to make a costume, and then join us in the Procession at 5pm on Nov. 7. Free. Donations welcome.

For information, to register, or if the listed fee is a hardship, email karen@tucsontaiko.org

Arigato gozaimasu!