After seeing people reblog my old Taiko pics and video.
I have this intense nostalgia. I miss being active in the group and having that thrill from performing. But I know things have run its course, so I will endure until I finish out my “term”.
At this point, I would much rather be a spectator and learn that way. Because who am I kidding? The last time I was taught a song from start to finish was a year or two ago.
I love Taiko. But I’ve realized, for quite some time, that what I wish to learn will not be found from this group.
(via hwovw)
There. I said it.
Just messing around. Not my best. I look like an awkward turtle lol.
Today’s setup for Taiko practice. Didn’t want them bumping into each other lol. Four drums gradually turned into 9 on that little stage.
We were able to go over a majority of what I wrote down on my lesson plan. The newbies seemed quite receptive and the juniors and seniors helped tremendously as my demonstrators.
I tried my best to reiterate the importance of having good form and knowing beat. A member did make a comment that listening to the beat while playing helped her figure out certain cues, like a note that chu players should be hitting when gi person is playing a certain pattern.
I’m getting a little better at playing gi. I have to just figure it out myself. I had two seniors record it for me while I observed the newbies play. I should be able to play beat confidently from this point on.
Ended the night by playing the rest of the song. Their eyes lit up as I played, kiai-ing with big movements and a smile. I think I left them inspired and awe-struck. This is what Taiko is all about.
This is what the newbies have been working on the last two months for Hiryu.
From the last blog, we had to backtrack to review the top portion because they always seemed to get lost. Half of the bottom portion is what we kept practicing. Lines “6” and “7” were what I taught last week.
Now I just need to figure out the lesson plan and reinforcing small details that make the song more pleasingto watch, things like simultaneous movements with hits as well as position of bachi in the air during such hits.
- Stepped out of my shell to greet a guest at practice (I was the only one there and it’s proper to be welcoming as a Sensei)
- Explained to him some basics of Taiko
- Broke down the redundant kara-kara-donka-kara section
- Newbies successfully played the beginning to soku sai enmei
- Drilled them on the first spin
- Taught them the “shifting”/shouting section & the second spin
- Had all players present — seniors, juniors, newbies — play Hiryu together. Even though we were all scattered on the floor we were one.
Just wrote this out for the next practice. Newbies are working hard and doing well!
It was during the first spin after the “Soku Sai Enmei” part. It always felt awkward because I would step with my right first instead of my left, but it wasn’t until I had other experienced members demonstrate that I realized I was doing it wrong.
How sad that after two senseis and 10+ active members, nobody corrected me. I would have remembered if someone did because I am a perfectionist, and I make sure to correct mistakes so it sticks.
Kuchi shoga
