Intro to Taiko Drumming Workshops! Watch and try Taiko with us in an Adult Enrichment class offered through Ann Arbor Rec & Ed this Winter/Spring 2025 on January 26th, February 23rd, March 23rd, +April 27th (SUN 2:30-4:30pm ET) at Rudolf Steiner HS in Ann Arbor.

DESCRIPTION: Drum and dream with us in a fun 2-hour workshop experience that will introduce participants (ages 13-adult) to the powerful artistry and generous spirit of Japanese Taiko Drumming through demonstrations and hands-on activities from our Midwest Taiko arts collective…

NOTE for GLTC Members: These sessions are complimentary for GLTC members who may join as part of A2 Taiko Play class (arrive at 2:30pm for Taiko demo, half hour earlier than usual class schedule).

A2 Taiko Play class in Ann Arbor (Assembly Hall @RSHS)

A2 Taiko Play class in Ann Arbor (Assembly Hall @RSHS)

A2 Taiko Play class in Ann Arbor (Assembly Hall @RSHS)

Intro to Taiko Drumming Workshops! Watch and try Taiko with us in an Adult Enrichment class offered through Ann Arbor Rec & Ed this Winter 2025 on January 26th, February 23rd or March 23rd (SUN 2:30-4:30pm ET) at Rudolf Steiner HS in Ann Arbor.

DESCRIPTION: Drum and dream with us in a fun 2-hour workshop experience that will introduce participants (ages 13-adult) to the powerful artistry and generous spirit of Japanese Taiko Drumming through demonstrations and hands-on activities from our Midwest Taiko arts collective…

NOTE for GLTC Members: These sessions are complimentary for GLTC members who may join as part of A2 Taiko Play class (arrive at 2:30pm for Taiko demo, half hour earlier than usual class schedule).

A2 Taiko Play class in Ann Arbor (Assembly Hall @RSHS)

A2 Taiko Play class in Ann Arbor (Assembly Hall @RSHS)

A2 Taiko Play class in Ann Arbor (Assembly Hall @RSHS)

Intro to Taiko Drumming Workshops! Watch and try Taiko with us in an Adult Enrichment class offered through Ann Arbor Rec & Ed this Winter 2025 on January 26th, February 23rd or March 23rd (SUN 2:30-4:30pm ET) at Rudolf Steiner HS in Ann Arbor.

DESCRIPTION: Drum and dream with us in a fun 2-hour workshop experience that will introduce participants (ages 13-adult) to the powerful artistry and generous spirit of Japanese Taiko Drumming through demonstrations and hands-on activities from our Midwest Taiko arts collective…

NOTE for GLTC Members: These sessions are complimentary for GLTC members who may join as part of A2 Taiko Play class (arrive at 2:30pm for Taiko demo, half hour earlier than usual class schedule).

A2 Taiko Play class in Ann Arbor (Assembly Hall @RSHS)

A2 Taiko Play class in Ann Arbor (Assembly Hall @RSHS)

No A2 Taiko Play Class in Ann Arbor today, but yes GLTC Holiday Party!

https://michigantaiko.net/events/2024-holiday-party

Join our end-of-year celebration for our Great Lakes Taiko Center (GLTC) community of collective members, family and friends, community partners and supporters. We welcome neighborhood and local community members to join us as well to come Drum, Dance and Dream with us!

Our Taiko Arts Collective will be sharing performances that reflect the work and play of our Learning Circles and Performance Groups this Fall 2024 season along with glimpses of our dreams for the new year 2025.

A2 Taiko Play class in Ann Arbor (Assembly Hall @RSHS)

A2 Taiko Play class in Ann Arbor (Assembly Hall @RSHS)

A2 Taiko Play Class in Ann Arbor (Assembly Hall @RSHS)

*Come early at 2:30pm to watch a demo for the concurrent Intro to Taiko Drumming workshop (Ann Arbor Rec & Ed) with performance by our Sazanami Taiko Arts Ensemble!

Fall 2024 workshop: Intro to Taiko Drumming

DATES: September 29th, October 27th, or November 24th 2024
TIME: Sunday 2:30-4:30pm ET
LOCATION: Rudolf Steiner HS (Assembly Hall) 2230 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

DESCRIPTION: Drum and dream with us in a fun 2-hour workshop experience that will introduce participants (ages 13-adult) to the powerful artistry and generous spirit of Japanese Taiko Drumming through demonstrations and hands-on activities from our Midwest Taiko arts collective. Enjoy watching a Taiko performance and then join our Taiko Play drum circle to practice moving in space, using our voices, and playing with instruments. Share in our dream of collective play as we explore the rhythms and groove of Taiko music together. We provide the drums (taiko) for you to play on, and you can borrow, bring, or purchase your own pair of wooden drum sticks (bachi) to play with. These sessions will be led by Eileen S. Ho with members of the Great Lakes Taiko Center (GLTC) Taiko Arts Collective.

COST: $49/2-hr workshop, optional $10/pair of bachi
REGISTER: Sign up and scholarship/senior discount info at https://www.aarecedonline.com/adult-enrichment-classes

*NOTE: GLTC Members are welcome to join this session as part of A2 Taiko Play.

A2 Taiko Play class in Ann Arbor (Assembly Hall @RSHS)

A2 Taiko Play class in Ann Arbor (Assembly Hall @RSHS)

A2 Taiko Play class in Ann Arbor (Assembly Hall @RSHS)

*Note: This 11/3 session is during Week of MA (added as a make-up session for last month’s cancelled 10/13 session)

A2 Taiko Play Class in Ann Arbor (Assembly Hall @RSHS)

*Come early at 2:30pm to watch a demo for the concurrent Intro to Taiko Drumming workshop (Ann Arbor Rec & Ed) with performance by our Sazanami Taiko Arts Ensemble!

Fall 2024 workshop: Intro to Taiko Drumming

DATES: September 29th, October 27th, or November 24th 2024
TIME: Sunday 2:30-4:30pm ET
LOCATION: Rudolf Steiner HS (Assembly Hall) 2230 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

DESCRIPTION: Drum and dream with us in a fun 2-hour workshop experience that will introduce participants (ages 13-adult) to the powerful artistry and generous spirit of Japanese Taiko Drumming through demonstrations and hands-on activities from our Midwest Taiko arts collective. Enjoy watching a Taiko performance and then join our Taiko Play drum circle to practice moving in space, using our voices, and playing with instruments. Share in our dream of collective play as we explore the rhythms and groove of Taiko music together. We provide the drums (taiko) for you to play on, and you can borrow, bring, or purchase your own pair of wooden drum sticks (bachi) to play with. These sessions will be led by Eileen S. Ho with members of the Great Lakes Taiko Center (GLTC) Taiko Arts Collective.

COST: $49/2-hr workshop, optional $10/pair of bachi
REGISTER: Sign up and scholarship/senior discount info at https://www.aarecedonline.com/adult-enrichment-classes

*NOTE: GLTC Members are welcome to join this session as part of A2 Taiko Play.

A2 Taiko Play class in Ann Arbor (Assembly Hall @RSHS)

A2 Taiko Play class in Ann Arbor cancelled today!

**Dear A2 Taiko Players & GLTC membership (10/13 note from Eileen & Larry at GLTC),

Please note that today's A2 Taiko Play class is cancelled (Sunday 10/13 3pm)!

We're sorry to report that instructor Eileen has a case of COVID rebound (tested positive again this morning with mild symptoms, after brief recovery earlier this week). Partner Larry is okay, but we will avoid class activities this week out of precaution (since he is recently exposed to COVID) so today's class session is cancelled. Apologies for the short notice!

>>>Event info at https://michigantaiko.net/events/2024-novi-japan-fest

We encourage you to enjoy the afternoon at today's Novi Japan Festival (1-4pm at Novi High School), including performances by our members in the Godaiko Drummers (1:20pm) and Sakura Japanese Instrumental Group (3:25pm).

We'll keep you posted about next week's A2 Taiko Play class currently scheduled for Sunday 10/20 3-4:30pm). In the meantime, you can check out our updated class listing at https://michigantaiko.net/class-listing.

A2 Taiko Play Class in Ann Arbor (Assembly Hall @RSHS)

*Come early at 2:30pm to watch a demo for the concurrent Intro to Taiko Drumming workshop (Ann Arbor Rec & Ed) with performance by our Sazanami Taiko Arts Ensemble!

Fall 2024 workshop: Intro to Taiko Drumming

DATES: September 29th, October 27th, or November 24th 2024
TIME: Sunday 2:30-4:30pm ET
LOCATION: Rudolf Steiner HS (Assembly Hall) 2230 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

DESCRIPTION: Drum and dream with us in a fun 2-hour workshop experience that will introduce participants (ages 13-adult) to the powerful artistry and generous spirit of Japanese Taiko Drumming through demonstrations and hands-on activities from our Midwest Taiko arts collective. Enjoy watching a Taiko performance and then join our Taiko Play drum circle to practice moving in space, using our voices, and playing with instruments. Share in our dream of collective play as we explore the rhythms and groove of Taiko music together. We provide the drums (taiko) for you to play on, and you can borrow, bring, or purchase your own pair of wooden drum sticks (bachi) to play with. These sessions will be led by Eileen S. Ho with members of the Great Lakes Taiko Center (GLTC) Taiko Arts Collective.

COST: $49/2-hr workshop, optional $10/pair of bachi
REGISTER: Sign up and scholarship/senior discount info at https://www.aarecedonline.com/adult-enrichment-classes

A2 Taiko Play Class in Ann Arbor (Assembly Hall @RSHS)

A2 Taiko Play Class in Ann Arbor (Assembly Hall @RSHS)

A2 Taiko Play Class in Ann Arbor (Assembly Hall @RSHS)

Our Great Lakes Taiko Center (GLTC) Taiko Arts Collective is excited to team up with kaDON to host guest artist Kaoly Asano of GOCOO/TAWOO in Tokyo, Japan, for a two day visit to Ann Arbor, Michigan!
Link to view full schedule of Kaoly’s Visit on TUE 8/6 & WED 8/7.

Kaoly’s ELEVEN Taiko intensive

Join kaDON instructor Kaoly Asano for a Taiko Intensive experience on Wednesday 8/7/2024 (11am-7pm EDT) which will focus on Kaoly’s approach to groove and hitting technique and her piece ELEVEN. 

Kaoly has developed her unique body and groove philosophy as the founder and lead drummer of GOCOO and its taiko school TAWOO Taiko Dojo. She has pioneered a free spirited approach that blends both tradition and innovation and appeals to a broad range of audiences. Her style of taiko is referred to as “tribal taiko” or “groove taiko” and builds its energy upon connections with those around us and our roots.

Kaoly will bring out your inner energy through your tanden and meridian, and through the taiko to create your own sound. She will teach her unique body and groove philosophy through her composition ELEVEN, a piece of prayer and hope born in the aftermath of the March 11th 2011 Tohoku Earthquake. ELEVEN was featured in the film “Finding Her Beat” as the closing piece of the HERbeat concert.

“When we play the taiko, we become a pathway connecting heaven and earth. The sound travels along that path. I would like to share this precious song of hope with all of you who have encountered taiko in this life.” - Kaoly Asano

8/7 Taiko Intensive Details at a Glance:

DATE: Wednesday, August 7th, 2024

TIME: 11:00am - 7:00pm EDT [Link to Kaoly’s Visit Schedule]

INSTRUCTOR: Kaoly Asano

LOCATION: Rudolf Steiner High School, 2230 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

COST: $185 (registration button below). NOTE: Registration for this Intensive is free (donations welcome) for current GLTC Members.*

MEALS: Lunch included in registration fee

LODGING: Not included in registration fee

Kaoly’s ELEVEN Taiko Intensive is open to all levels of taiko experience from beginners to advanced (ages 12 and older). The only prerequisite is an open heart and open mind!

WHAT TO BRING: Water bottle and your own bachi/sticks (participants may also borrow or pre-order kaDON bachi)

*How to register (free of charge) for GLTC Members: Please confirm your participation in this WED 8/7 Workshop with Kaoly Asano by connecting with your GLTC membership, class, or group coordinator.

About KAOLY ASANO

The first time Kaoly Asano saw taiko drumming, she felt a familiar sensation as if she was finally “home.” As the founder and lead drummer for GOCOO and its taiko school TAWOO Taiko Dojo, Kaoly has pioneered a free spirited approach that blends both tradition and innovation and appeals to a broad range of audiences. Her style of taiko is referred to as “tribal taiko” or “groove taiko” and builds its energy upon connections with those around us and our roots. With GOCOO, Kaoly has toured some of the biggest music festivals all over the world, such as the SZIGET Festival (Europe’s biggest music event), and has also been featured in the soundtracks of major motion pictures such as “The Matrix Reloaded.”

In 2019, Kaoly was the lead workshop instructor at the annual kaDON Retreat. The following year in February, she was a part of the star-studded cast of “HERbeat,” the first ever all-women taiko concert and production. She is featured in the award winning documentary film “Finding Her Beat” that followed the “HERbeat” collaboration and production. She is also featured in the pre-teen book “Music Mavens: 15 Women of Note in the Industry”. Kaoly believes that through taiko, one is able to move freely and fully express themselves and she continues to share this message everywhere she goes.