Odaiko Sonora News: Oct. 2010 update

From left: Obon dancers (left) follow the Urn and taiko cart (right) at last year's All Souls Procession; Odaiko Sonora livens up the Hocofest Family Arts Festival and trains potential obon dancers for the upcoming All Souls Procession on Nov. 7.

not-to-be-missed moments

As most of you know, Odaiko Sonora is part of this year's All Souls Procession finale with Ensphere, Flam Chen, and an army of Tucson creatives. The nature of the Procession is one of solemnity and joy as we acknowledge those who have passed and celebrate their lives. It's a time of letting go and of setting intentions. It is open to all faiths and inclinations; we simply ask that you come with a spirit of observance and fun.

The Procession is not a parade, where you station yourself and watch as it passes by. The Procession is a participatory event. To that end, we've designed an entry point for our friends, in the form of a bon odori, the dance part of the traditional Japanese Buddhist ancestor festival of Obon. Usually occurring in mid to late summer, the obon festival is an important part of community life in Japan and in North American Japanese-American communities. Each village has its own dance and song, and maybe a drum rhythm or chant. We hope you'll come learn the dance Odaiko Sonora created for Tucson, and join us for the Procession on Sunday. Nov. 7.

Taiko Bon Odori, ASP Style
Thursday, Oct. 21, 5:30–6:30pm; Saturdays, Oct. 23, 30, & Nov. 6, 12:30–1:30pm.
At these free community workshops, you'll learn about Obon, the Japanese Buddhist ancestor festival. Obon dances, or bon odori, are 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.

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, through Dec. 11
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. Discounts available. If you missed last Saturday's class, don't worry. There's a make-up class at 2pm, Friday, Oct. 22, or you can contact Karen, 481-8003 karen@tucsontaiko.org to schedule one.

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

Arigato gozaimasu!