Austin Taiko®: Information
and History
AUSTIN TAIKO® was founded in 1996 by Martha Durham and Bob Boyko
in Austin, Texas.
There are currently 7 members including co-leaders Martha Durham
and Bob Boyko,
Marcy Covault, Mary Durham, Mieko Horne, Dave Reed, Carol Cosgrove,
and Yuki Feissli.
Taiko is the Japanese word for "great
drum." Taiko are unique, dynamic and powerful instruments
that have been used for centuries as a traditional part of cultural
festivals, celebrations,
and religious ceremonies. They have been used as a source of communications
between villages and in war to frighten the enemy. In recent years
taiko has been rediscovered
and reinvented and put into concert form for worldwide entertainment.
Taiko is a combination of art and sport.
It requires many hours of practice to learn the
rhythms and choreography. Teamwork and cooperation are essential
to perform together in unison.
Much of the taiko played in the United
States is correctly called North American Taiko.
The basic techniques and instruction have their roots in classic
Japanese taiko, currently
new music is being written by the off-shore groups. AUSTIN TAIKO
performs
both traditional style songs and contemporary adaptations. The
concept of mental and
physical discipline combined with teamwork remains the same.
AUSTIN TAIKO is a developing community
group.
Our hope is to introduce this wonderful form of musical expression
to the Central Texas area,
and to recruit a diverse group of participants, both on-stage
and off-stage.
Some of our goals and priorities are
to:
- Strengthen the principle of cooperation and
teamwork
- Reinforce the value of self-discipline and
personal responsibility
- Improve dexterity and coordination
- Emphasize good posture and correct playing
form
- Improve health awareness and physical fitness
- Promote pride in personal accomplishment
and stimulate self-confidence
- Increase attentiveness and self-control
- Introduce rhythm comprehension
- Develop and exercise the ability to recognize
musical patterns and perform them in unison with competing rhythms
- Release stress in a positive, joyous way,
and appreciate the gift of the vibrations from the taiko
Venues
Multicultural events, Asian festivals
and parties, motivational meetings, educational assemblies/events,
business meetings or greetings for Japanese business executives,
private parties
For information on performances, school demonstrations,
workshops contact Martha Durham at
AustinTaiko@aol.com
