Tag: Community

Taiko course for beginners January 2025

We are opening 2025 with a big boom and offering a 4-week beginners’ course. This is both because we really enjoy sharing our taikolove with anyone who is drawn to this drumming style, and because quite a few people were asking for an opportunity to try this out. More courses will follow after this one.

So – if you want to try something new, or if you’ve seen a taiko group performing and wanted to give it a go, this is your chance.

Powerful, fun and groovy drumming to be expected! You will use your whole body and be as loud as you want – our drums can take it! You will meet new people, improve your stamina and coordination, and make music together. You will also hear about the origins of taiko and its place in Japanese culture.

It can change your life – it definitely changed ours!

We will mark the end of the course by a sharing evening with the main Aber Taiko group on the Thursday following the last session – details tbc.

Dates: 19th, 26th January, 2nd, and 9th February.

Time: 11:00-12:30 including time for packing up.

Venue: Gors community hub, Heol Y Gors, Swansea SA1 6SA https://maps.app.goo.gl/k81uFCVagV886wxb8

Cost for the 4 weeks: pay what you wish on a sliding scale between £25-£40. £40 is for those in work and/or comfortable. £25 for young people or those unwaged. Find yourself on that scale, no questions asked.

Booking and details: email us at aber.taiko@gmail.com to book and for further details. Payment reserves your spot and places are limited. Minimum age – 12y. Under 16 to be accompanied by an adult.

April Taiko Workshop

Our next workshop will be on the 28th April 2024, 11:00-12:30. Open to all 12 years old and above – suitable for families, groups of friends or individuals who love drumming and want to try this energetic and loud art form in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

You will be shown the basics through a simple and engaging drum-song. You can expect to feel the beats through your core, use your whole body to drum, be challenged by some nice interlocking rhythms, and work up a sweat. This drumming form incorporates big movement of the arms, a bit of dancing, and use of our voices. It is so uplifting you will come out excited and smiling.

Venue: Gors community hub, Heol Y Gors, Swansea SA1 6SA 
https://maps.app.goo.gl/k81uFCVagV886wxb8
Cost: Pay on a sliding scale between £8-£15. £15 is for those in work and/or comfortable. £8 for young people or those unwaged. Find yourself on that scale, no questions asked.
Booking is essential!
 email us: aber.taiko@gmail.com to book and for details on payment 

Invitation to play Taiko

We love playing the big drums and we want to share this exciting form of group drumming with more people, increase our energy levels, and widen our community. That’s why we are opening up the first hour of our Taiko practice sessions on a weekly basis – come and have a go!

Leave your worries at the door and join the fun! Connect to your body, get fit, be musical, be loud, and meet new people. We will teach the basics starting with how to stand, how to hold the drumsticks and how to hit the drum. Then there will be rhythms and movement and all the fun things.

If you are 16 or older, you are welcome!!

Sessions are Thursdays 7:00 – 8:00pm, more details when booking.

To join the practices you will need to:

  1. Book your place in advance, (£7 per session, £5 concessions), as you go (email aber.taiko@gmail.com for details).
  2. Bring your own ear plugs: the drums are big and LOUD.
  3. Be able to be active for the hour, albeit listening to your body and taking care of your well-being while we practice. Taiko drumming is a physical activity which can be intense at times.
  4. Agree to wear a mask while playing, adhere to physical distancing and the regulations in the hall and not attend with any COVID19/influenza symptoms (please let us know in advance of any exemptions; if unable to arrive due to COVID19 you will be refunded). We keep 3 doors open to allow fresh air and take regular breaks to go outside and remove our masks.

We will supply drums and sticks (bachi). Those who would like to commit to weekly practice, learning, studying at home and stretching their abilities will be encouraged to purchase their own equipment, starting with the bachi.