Classes & Practice Sessions
Taiko has been called the least martial and most artistic of the martial arts.
It combines elements of percussion, movement and expression in a dynamic and
disciplined team practice. It can be a path to personal growth... and a whole
lot of FUN! As southern Arizona’s oldest and most-established taiko learning
center, Odaiko Sonora is the leading source of taiko training in southern Arizona.
All classes are held at Rhythm
Industry Performance Factory, 1013 S. Tyndall, and are open for
observation. For info, email info@tucsontaiko.org.
Lack of funds is not considered a good reason for not studying taiko. We've
been making this happen since 2002 on very little ourselves. So, in cases where
the tuition is a hardship, email karen@tucsontaiko.org.
We live by a strict "it should sting but not hurt." policy, and we'll
work something out. Your first class is always free!
| Date |
Location |
Event |
Time |
Mondays,
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1013 S. Tyndall |
CLASS: Youth Taiko for ages 9–14.
This class introduces young people to the discipline, culture
and joy of taiko. $50/month. Scholarships available. Call 520 461-5922 or email rome@tucsontaiko.org |
4:30–6:00pm |
Wednesdays
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PRACTICE: Performing Understudy Practice |
5:30–8:30pm |
Fridays
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PRACTICE: Performing Ensemble |
2–4pm |
Saturdays
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PRACTICE: Community Group Track, for students moving from AART to CG |
9:00am |
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PRACTICE: Community Group
Our all ages, all levels playground! Ask to join after a few AART sessions |
10–noon |
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PRACTICE: Performing Understudy Practice |
12:30–
2:15pm |
Saturdays
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CLASS: AART (All Ages Recreational Taiko)
A 6-week beginners unit to learn rudiments of taiko: form & technique, drills
and songs. Register by calling (520) 481-8003 or emailing info@tucsontaiko.org.
Next session start date is June 8. |
2:30–4:30pm |
Odaiko Sonora Group Structure
Odaiko Sonora is the leading source of high quality taiko instruction available
to the communities of Tucson and southern Arizona. Opportunities to learn and
play taiko include:
- Recreational Taiko Classes for
all ages and abilities, designed for those new to taiko and those wishing to
promote physical and spiritual health through taiko. AART (All Ages
Recreational Taiko) is also great for the players who wish to focus on technique
and learn new songs. Enrolled students may observe and participate to the best
of their ability in the OS Community Group (CG), but will receive no instruction
there.
- Odaiko Sonora Community is a self-guided entity
for players who wish to work together as a group to increase skill levels, expand
repetoire, and work towards community performances 3–5 times a year. Students
qualify to join the CG after taking one to three ART units and learning several
required songs and drills. The CG is led by senior players and instructed by
Performing Ensemble Members once a month. A free CG Track exists
for recreational students who wish to join the ongoing CG.
- Odaiko Sonora Performing Ensemble. With over 60 appearances—for
nearly 50,000 people—each year, these are players committed to taiko as
a performing art form. Performances vary from outdoor festivals to private parties
to staged theatrical productions. Dedication, rigorous training, creative contribution,
flexibility and a great attitude are what define these players. Performer
Understudy Practices are for CG members who want to challenge themselves.
 Master
Classes
In addition to weekly classes, Odaiko Sonora regularly brings guest teachers
to Tucson for intensive workshops. Some of the most highly acclaimed taiko players
and instructors in North America have come to the area through this program,
including Tiffany Tamaribuchi of Sacramento Taiko Dan, San Jose Taiko leaders,
members of Mu Daiko from Minneapolis and Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble. Odaiko
Sonora also hosts international taiko artists such as Shidara, and programs through
Kodo Arts Sphere America (KASA). Bookmark the News
& Performances page for announcements about upcoming workshops!
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