What is "Taiko?"
The Japanese word 'taiko' means ‘fat drum.’ The same word also refers to the art of Japanese drumming. The way of taiko is over 1,000 years old. In ancient times, the taiko drum symbolized the community. Each community had at least one drum and played various rhythms to communicate messages: call the people together, warn of danger, for religious ceremony, and for different aspects of everyday life. Many villages had their own unique songs. Today these songs are recognized as original styles representative of different prefectures in Japan.
Originally, taiko songs were played on one drum at a time. In the 1950s, a group of Japanese masters convened and discovered the power of playing their drums together. This was the beginning of what is now commonly known as a taiko group. The art of modern taiko drumming involves BIG drums, smaller drums, dance elements, and many backbeat instruments.
Who’s “Dan”?
"Dan" (pronounced ‘DAHN’) means "community" in Japanese. Thus, Moab Taiko Dan is taiko by/for the Moab community.
Where do the drums come from?
Taiko groups either buy their drums (approx. $1500 per drum) or they may choose to build their own. Most of MTD’s drums are built by the local drummers, using old wine barrels and cow hide. The process of drum building is worth the experience!
How long has taiko been played in Moab?
Annette Kearl first brought taiko to Moab in October of 1994. Called “HenKei Taiko”, the group first drummed on old tires lashed to folding chairs, using 16” wooden dowels as drumsticks. They met in backyards, old warehouses, the old HMK School or any place they could arrange. Under Annette’s leadership the group built their own “real” drums, which were A LOT louder -- enough to sometimes catch the attention of friendly Moab City Police.
When Annette left Moab in the late 1990s the group worked hard to survive, reaching out to the national and international taiko community for instruction and inspiration. Sensei Tiffany Tamaribuchi of Sacramento Taiko Dan, who had been one of Annette’s taiko teachers in California, agreed to take MTD under her wing. This relationship has survived ever since and Sensei continues to instruct the group in taiko skills and practices.
How can I join and become a performing member?
Drummers must come to at least six months of weekly apprentice classes before applying for full membership. Monthly dues for members are $20.
The Japanese word 'taiko' means ‘fat drum.’ The same word also refers to the art of Japanese drumming. The way of taiko is over 1,000 years old. In ancient times, the taiko drum symbolized the community. Each community had at least one drum and played various rhythms to communicate messages: call the people together, warn of danger, for religious ceremony, and for different aspects of everyday life. Many villages had their own unique songs. Today these songs are recognized as original styles representative of different prefectures in Japan.
Originally, taiko songs were played on one drum at a time. In the 1950s, a group of Japanese masters convened and discovered the power of playing their drums together. This was the beginning of what is now commonly known as a taiko group. The art of modern taiko drumming involves BIG drums, smaller drums, dance elements, and many backbeat instruments.
Who’s “Dan”?
"Dan" (pronounced ‘DAHN’) means "community" in Japanese. Thus, Moab Taiko Dan is taiko by/for the Moab community.
Where do the drums come from?
Taiko groups either buy their drums (approx. $1500 per drum) or they may choose to build their own. Most of MTD’s drums are built by the local drummers, using old wine barrels and cow hide. The process of drum building is worth the experience!
How long has taiko been played in Moab?
Annette Kearl first brought taiko to Moab in October of 1994. Called “HenKei Taiko”, the group first drummed on old tires lashed to folding chairs, using 16” wooden dowels as drumsticks. They met in backyards, old warehouses, the old HMK School or any place they could arrange. Under Annette’s leadership the group built their own “real” drums, which were A LOT louder -- enough to sometimes catch the attention of friendly Moab City Police.
When Annette left Moab in the late 1990s the group worked hard to survive, reaching out to the national and international taiko community for instruction and inspiration. Sensei Tiffany Tamaribuchi of Sacramento Taiko Dan, who had been one of Annette’s taiko teachers in California, agreed to take MTD under her wing. This relationship has survived ever since and Sensei continues to instruct the group in taiko skills and practices.
How can I join and become a performing member?
Drummers must come to at least six months of weekly apprentice classes before applying for full membership. Monthly dues for members are $20.
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