San Jose Taiko Drumming by Hannah
The San Jose Taiko Drumming was one of the shows I was most excited about going to. My mom had seen Taiko Drumming before and told me how wonderful an experience it was so I was expecting to be impressed, but once it started I was completely blown away. Never before had I seen such disciplined syncopation and choreography. Everything the drummers did was in complete unison. Their movements were so fine tuned that it was a spectacle just watching them perform. Also, before watching them, I had assumed that they would only be drumming in an ancient Japanese style. I was delightfully surprised that they incorporated many different styles into their music.
Although I loved all of the different styles they played, I’d have to say my favorite piece was the more traditional festival song “Ei Ja Nai Ka?” It was such a free spirited song and it really brought out the playful side of the drummers. I was amazed at how disciplined these people were but at the same time they were able to have so much fun with what they were doing. I was really impressed by their improvisation skill as well, being somewhat of a drummer myself. I know what it feels like to be lost in a rhythm so that it becomes a part of you. I think that this experience has taught me that although I may be self conscience while I’m performing, as long as I am having fun, that’s the thing the audience sees and is able to draw energy from.
Yet again, after the show I was surprised at how laid back the performers were. It was such a drastic change from seeing them on stage. They were just regular human beings just like me. I think that this is one of the things that I have yet to get used to. Whenever I watch someone perform I get so caught up in the performance that it seems like that is the only thing these people are, when really they’re just performing. It was really fun talking to them and learning about how they got where they are now, and how they learn the different beats by using words.
To anyone who has not seen Taiko Drumming, I wouldn’t even know where to begin to explain to them how amazing the experience is. It’s really something you have to see in order to believe. There was really no down side to this performance. My least favorite part was probably the lady behind me who smelled like liquor and cigarettes and laughed every 2 minutes for no apparent reason. Other than that, it was such an inspiring experience, and I would definitely see Taiko Drumming again.
Although I loved all of the different styles they played, I’d have to say my favorite piece was the more traditional festival song “Ei Ja Nai Ka?” It was such a free spirited song and it really brought out the playful side of the drummers. I was amazed at how disciplined these people were but at the same time they were able to have so much fun with what they were doing. I was really impressed by their improvisation skill as well, being somewhat of a drummer myself. I know what it feels like to be lost in a rhythm so that it becomes a part of you. I think that this experience has taught me that although I may be self conscience while I’m performing, as long as I am having fun, that’s the thing the audience sees and is able to draw energy from.
Yet again, after the show I was surprised at how laid back the performers were. It was such a drastic change from seeing them on stage. They were just regular human beings just like me. I think that this is one of the things that I have yet to get used to. Whenever I watch someone perform I get so caught up in the performance that it seems like that is the only thing these people are, when really they’re just performing. It was really fun talking to them and learning about how they got where they are now, and how they learn the different beats by using words.
To anyone who has not seen Taiko Drumming, I wouldn’t even know where to begin to explain to them how amazing the experience is. It’s really something you have to see in order to believe. There was really no down side to this performance. My least favorite part was probably the lady behind me who smelled like liquor and cigarettes and laughed every 2 minutes for no apparent reason. Other than that, it was such an inspiring experience, and I would definitely see Taiko Drumming again.
posted by ISC On Stage @ 11:03 AM
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