More Taiko drumming workshops!

Our second Taiko workshop in 2024 is open to all 12+.

Much fun was had in our January workshop. There were 8 people aged 17-‘ancient’. Some completely new to Taiko, some have been before to one of our courses. They learnt how to approach the drums, and quite a few basic rhythms that interlaced with each other. The drums were loud, and it was really nice to see people smiling when enjoying a new cool combination of hits and choreography. We had the big drum out as well, and had a round of really energetic playing. It wasn’t just about drumming – a really nice time was spent together, meeting new people and old friends, catching up after a few years, seeing children growing up.

We are continuing with this offering of a monthly opportunity to get hooked on Taiko.

Come with your family or your friends, make music, increase your heart rate, and be LOUD .

Drum line, ready for one of our summer gigs

Sunday 25th February, 11:00-12:30
Gors community hub, Heol Y Gors, Swansea SA1 6SA 
https://maps.app.goo.gl/k81uFCVagV886wxb8

Adults: £15/ £11 concessions
Young people: (12-18): £10/ £8 concessions
Booking Essential!!
 email us: aber.taiko@gmail.com  to book and for details on payment 

Taiko workshop for adults and young people (12+)

We are starting 2024 with an invite to join us in an enjoyable, energizing, and musical session of drumming suitable for all adults and young people over the age of 12.

What to expect? experience the power of our big drums, increase your heart rate, meet new people, feel the vibrations through your core, make music and have fun.

You will learn how to stand behind the drum, how to hit it to make a good sound, and a few rhythms to play along a base beat. All in a friendly and positive manner, where you can leave everything outside the room and give the drum and the group your full attention.

Date: Sunday 28th January, 11:00-12:30
Gors community hub, Heol Y Gors, Swansea SA1 6SA 
https://maps.app.goo.gl/k81uFCVagV886wxb8

Adults: £15/ £11 concessions
Young people: (12-18): £10/ £8 concessions
Booking Essential!!
 email us: aber.taiko@gmail.com  to book and for details on payment 

We are planning for monthly workshops throughout the year, so watch this space!!

Taiko with Yuta

At the end of February we had the pleasure and good fortune to host Yuta Kato for a weekend of workshops, food, walks and talks. Yuta is a Japanese-American Taiko artist who had just decided to become independent after years and years of being the principal teacher at LATI. He has been playing since he was seven – he can play anything, at any speed, and the way he uses his whole body to play is very unique and captivating. He taught us so many things in those 12 hours: Omiyage from beginning to end, Yodan basics and Hachijo basics. His love of Taiko and of teaching came through in everything he was showing us. And it was not only about the technique and the rhythms. After all, without telling your story when you play, why are you playing? But how DO you tell your story with sticks and drum? ah, that’s where the magic is. Yuta had a way of getting us to feel all the feelings and channel them while we played. It needs practice and being open – and a lifetime of exploration.

An important part of all taiko activities – sitting together for food and chats

What made the weekend even more special was having taiko friends with us – James Barrow came with a van full of drums (and Yuta!); more players came from Bristol, the Brecon Beacons, and even Exeter.

So happy after our Hachijo workhsop
Posing in Rhossili after a walk along the cliffs

We were all very inspired to practice more and become better players, and keep and maintain our connections with each other. Thanks Yuta, we already miss you!