Abbotsford Taiko Workshop Report

Don, don, don, taka, don, don, don …

 

Wow, what an exhilarating, thrilling Taiko drum experience many of us were privileged to engage in on Sunday 22nd September 2024, led by our master Taiko drum teacher, Sensei Toshi Sakamoto - choreographer and composer.

 

By special invitation, ten members of our Frankston taiko group arrived, and engaged in an amazing afternoon workshop in Abbotsford with Toshi's Wadaiko Rindo group and the Japanese Association of Geelong taiko group.

Group warm-up - note the noise reducing covers on the drums

Sensei Toshi amazed us all, by leading and entwining the workshop, with a variety of challenging new drum combinations that tested our cognition, coordination, balance, fitness and  egos! Like a true master, and unbeknownst to each of us, he cleverly and patiently, had taught different specific taiko compositions over several months, to each of the three groups (Frankston, Geelong and Abbotsford). We each learned, and practiced our unique composition at our specific locations, which Toshi then weaved into a magical drum performance, where each became players in his musical masterpiece.

 

Members of the three groups practicing together

Like several waves overlapping and interlacing, we experienced the thrill of being part of something  so much bigger than ourselves and our own taiko groups – to embody being part of his genius choreography, whereby he transformed the 30 people in the room to join together, but each playing different parts. We became Sensei Toshi’s orchestra, led by Toshi himself.

 

Each group performed their own composition (mistakes, bachi flying and brilliance included) whereby we were mesmerised by the variations, skills, complexity, diligence and intricacy which was displayed. The more experienced taiko players inspired us with their combinations, fitness and layering techniques, whilst the beginners were happy to just have a go, bringing smiles all round and a joyous union of people making music, celebrating and having fun together.

Our group's performance before a very supportive audience!

We had the opportunity to practice together, and later to “have a go” playing all the different drum sizes and drumming styles – shime-daiko, katsugi oke daiko, okedo-daiko, miya-daiko, nagado-daiko, o-daiko – small to large to huge! Each drum required different skills e.g. side hitting, hitting the large o-daiko drum with strong forceful arms, sitting on the floor and playing a fast-drumming  pattern, abdominal strength holding yourself in a C shape position sitting on the floor whilst hitting the miya-daiko, lunging & twisting and balance of different kinds. We were all entranced by Toshi’s brilliance and uplifted and inspired to keep Taiko alive in Frankston.

 

We were also treated to a performance of the Eisa Okinawan Folk Dance – a slower, flowing drum dance similar to tai chi movements which uniquely provides the opportunity to use a small tambourine type drum, using dance movements that can improve co-ordination, balance, posture, fitness and focus – great for assisting falls prevention too!

Japanese Association of Geelong Taiko Group's performance

The workshop concluded with Toshi’s amazing Wadaiko Rindo students displaying a number of skilful taiko drumming performances which mesmerized and inspired us with their awesome precision and talent.

 

After the drumming performances we were offered a delicious afternoon tea, and a photo session of all the attendees and an opportunity to socialise and meet the different participants which ranged in age from 10 to 90 years old.

Frankston Taiko Drumming Members

Thank you to St Philip’s Anglican Church for  providing the location in which to meet and to Toshi and his team for hosting this event!

 

Our Frankston group then later enjoyed a lovely dinner together at Chotto Motto in Collingwood – a kooky, fun style restaurant with miniature dinosaurs, dolls, superheroes and a wood fireplace that kept us warm, nostalgic and chatting about our day and  grateful for the food that nourished us.

Frankston Group photo outside Chotto Motto

We look forward to meeting again for another joint workshop with Wadaiko Rindo and the Geelong Taiko group.

Article by Nicole Mahl, with images thanks to Peter Bargholz.