Nen Daiko Apprentice Program
Have you been curious about becoming a performing member of Nen Daiko? Anyone over 18 years of age interested in joining Nen Daiko is invited to audition for acceptance into our Apprenticeship Program. Auditions are held once a year during the fall. The objectives of the Apprenticeship Program are: To provide a basic introduction to taiko fundamentals. Learning proper form, playing mechanics, and taiko aesthetics is at the heart of the apprentice program. While you are not expected to become a master taiko player during this period, demonstrations of awareness, understanding, and progress in these crucial elements will ensure a proper foundation for success. Apprentices will apply these fundamentals when they are introduced to Nen Daiko’s repertoire. To cultivate an appreciation for the history and relationships that make up North American taiko in general and Nen Daiko in particular. We believe the respect for the instrument and its history is fundamental to our approach to playing. This includes the community of people, past and present, that allow us to play today. This awareness is at the foundation of how we operate within the group and interact with other members of the community. To provide a time period where both the apprentice and Nen Daiko can assess if they are a good fit. Awareness of group dynamics in terms of group culture, learning styles, and personalities can be the difference between successful integration or isolation in a group setting. In addition, learning how to adapt to the substantial time commitment can also be a crucial element to success. |
Over the course of the program, we will work toward these objectives, which will be split into three stages. Each stage will end with an evaluation and an opportunity to reassess fit from both sides. Typically, the program is approximately 8 months from October through June.
For more info on the apprentice program, contact [email protected].
For more info on the apprentice program, contact [email protected].
Nen Daiko Apprentice Program Q&A
Who is Nen Daiko?
Nen Daiko is the taiko ensemble of Ekoji Buddhist Temple in Fairfax Station, Virginia, and has been performing in the Washington DC metropolitan area since 1994. If you are interested in auditioning, chances are you’ve seen us at one of our performances. For those who are not as familiar, we encourage you to explore the rest of our website. The About section tells you a lot about our history, and the Performance section includes photos and video clips of our performances.
While affiliated with Ekoji Buddhist Temple, our members are diverse and of different faiths, brought together by a common respect for the art of taiko, the teachings of Buddhist taiko, and a joy and exuberance for expressing ourselves through the beat of the drum.
Nen Daiko is the taiko ensemble of Ekoji Buddhist Temple in Fairfax Station, Virginia, and has been performing in the Washington DC metropolitan area since 1994. If you are interested in auditioning, chances are you’ve seen us at one of our performances. For those who are not as familiar, we encourage you to explore the rest of our website. The About section tells you a lot about our history, and the Performance section includes photos and video clips of our performances.
While affiliated with Ekoji Buddhist Temple, our members are diverse and of different faiths, brought together by a common respect for the art of taiko, the teachings of Buddhist taiko, and a joy and exuberance for expressing ourselves through the beat of the drum.
What experience is necessary to audition?
If you are at least 18 years old, no taiko or other musical experience is necessary! The workshop will give you all the tools you need to audition.
For those ages 12-17, check out Dounen Daiko, our youth program.
What do apprentices learn?
The objectives of the Apprentice Program are:
If you are at least 18 years old, no taiko or other musical experience is necessary! The workshop will give you all the tools you need to audition.
For those ages 12-17, check out Dounen Daiko, our youth program.
What do apprentices learn?
The objectives of the Apprentice Program are:
- To provide a basic introduction to taiko fundamentals.
- To cultivate an appreciation for the history and relationships that make up North American taiko in general and Nen Daiko in particular.
- To provide a time period where both the apprentice and Nen Daiko can assess if they are a good fit.
What is the time commitment?
The Apprentice Program typically is approximately 8 months from October through June. During this time, you will be expected to fully participate in Nen Daiko practices which happen every Sunday afternoon for 3.5 hours at Ekoji Buddhist Temple. Apprentices will be more successful when they practice at home. This includes basic physical conditioning (cardio and strength training) as well as practicing taiko fundamentals you learned at practice. Playing taiko will use new muscles! Apprentices can learn how to make a practice drum from a plastic garbage can for home practice. Apprentices are also expected to support Nen Daiko at performances. This entails Most Nen Daiko performances take place in March and April during cherry blossom season on weekends. This is a fun time to bond and get to know Nen Daiko members even better! |
What is the cost of the apprentice program?
There is no monetary cost except the initial workshop fee, which is $30 for adults ($40 including the purchase of a Nen Daiko t-shirt). What is most important is your attendance and presence at practice and performances.
Apprentices and members also contribute by cleaning the practice space and by consistently attending and contributing to the health of Nen Daiko and Ekoji Buddhist Temple.
What clothing or equipment does an apprentice need?
We practice barefoot, in comfortable athletic clothing. We will provide basic bachi (taiko drum sticks), but as the apprentice progresses, (s)he may want to consider buying higher quality bachi (~$23). We’d be happy to help identify where and how to find appropriate bachi if you are ready. Ear plugs are strongly recommended. We can provide disposable ones for the first week or so, but high quality ones from your local music store or online will be best (~$12). You will also want to bring a water bottle or your hydration of choice.
If an apprentice continues until performance season starting in March, we will discuss uniforms for performances. Apprentices typically agree on readily available items such as black pants, sneakers, and a Nen Daiko t-shirt.
There is no monetary cost except the initial workshop fee, which is $30 for adults ($40 including the purchase of a Nen Daiko t-shirt). What is most important is your attendance and presence at practice and performances.
Apprentices and members also contribute by cleaning the practice space and by consistently attending and contributing to the health of Nen Daiko and Ekoji Buddhist Temple.
What clothing or equipment does an apprentice need?
We practice barefoot, in comfortable athletic clothing. We will provide basic bachi (taiko drum sticks), but as the apprentice progresses, (s)he may want to consider buying higher quality bachi (~$23). We’d be happy to help identify where and how to find appropriate bachi if you are ready. Ear plugs are strongly recommended. We can provide disposable ones for the first week or so, but high quality ones from your local music store or online will be best (~$12). You will also want to bring a water bottle or your hydration of choice.
If an apprentice continues until performance season starting in March, we will discuss uniforms for performances. Apprentices typically agree on readily available items such as black pants, sneakers, and a Nen Daiko t-shirt.
What happens at evaluations?
Evaluations are typically divided into two parts: a playing part where you are asked to demonstrate taiko fundamentals you’ve been working on during the program, and an oral part where we have an opportunity to ask each other questions. What happens if I miss the audition? We only open up the the Apprentice Program once a year during the fall, but please reach out to us with your interest anytime. You can contact us on social media or by email [email protected]. You can also take classes with Mark H. Rooney Taiko located in Takoma Park, Maryland. He offers a quarterly beginner workshop. |
Header photo: Bruce Hollywood, April 2016