Taiko – Aber Taiko

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

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.

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!