Tampa Taiko

Smaller groups of less than 75 typically are performance, followed by hands-on drum playing. For larger groups, we do a performance that has interaction with the audience. We can be whimsical, or serious, depending on your needs.

Conferences and Corporate Team-Building
Working with you to create a half-day or full day event for your conference, Tampa Taiko can provide customized team-building taiko workshops. Hands-on learning, concluding with a performance by Tampa Taiko, becomes an original and inventive way to reach out to your employees.

VIP Events and Grand Openings
Your event becomes larger-than-life when Tampa Taiko performs as you welcome dignitaries or announce the grand opening of a building or a new restaurant. The thunderous sound of the mighty taiko drums is unique, distinctive, and will be a lasting memory for your guests.

Taiko Drumming Lessons
Private instruction and group lessons are available, beginning with an introduction to the essentials of Japanese taiko drumming through active hands-on participation on taiko drums. Students will learn about taiko history and context, full-body warm up, proper stance, grip, taiko vocabulary, and a practice piece that combines these skills. Bring a towel and water and be prepared to sweat! Wear loose, comfortable clothing and wear tennis shoes.

Taiko Building
Taiko Building Workshops
Construct your own taiko drum at our six-week taiko building workshop. We order used wine barrels and turn them into magnificent musical instruments. Wear work clothes and be prepared to get messy with wood glue, wood stain, varnish and sawdust.

Schools
Programs for Schools and Libraries
Taiko drums are deeply entrenched in the fabric of Japanese History. Taiko drums were used to drive away evil spirits and pests harmful to crops. By imitating the sound of thunder, it was believed that the spirit of rain would be invoked into action. At harvest time, Taiko drums were played to offer thanks for a bountiful crop. Taiko drums were often used in wartime to motivate troops, to help set a marching pace, and to call out orders or announcements. Recently, a cultural renaissance has been taking place in Japan - a rediscovery of native arts. Today, every school child in Japan knows of Taiko and many corporate events feature Taiko drummers. With groups like Kodo, Ondekoza and Portland Taiko it has again been popularized and is played in festivals throughout the world.

Tampa Taiko is available to visit your school or library to provide a fun-filled, interactive program that covers the history of taiko, the music of Japan, modern drumming performance, and drum making using discarded wine barrels that have been recycled into taiko drums. To inquire about booking Tampa Taiko, and to request our FREE Teachers Guide send an email to us.

Amplification for our drums is not necessary! We do programs in large halls, and small classrooms, because we are flexible and have the experience to bring our program to any audience.