 Each Nen Daiko member or "Nennie" brings a lifetime of experiences to the Taiko Jam performances at the North American Taiko Conference, August 12-13 in San Diego. We'd like to share our stories with you and we hope to see you there! (Nennies are listed in alphabetical order by first name.) Brant Photo by Mike Gallan When did you decide you wanted to play taiko? I came to Ekoji to remember my grandpa who had recently passed away. I met a temple member that day and he told me about the taiko group there, how it was a fun activity to try, and that his daughter was single. [It was Maya and they did get married.] Out of all the things you could do, why do you choose to spend time on taiko? The close bond between the Nennies makes it way more fun than any other activity. After a long week, there is nothing like Rouga to work out the stress. Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences playing taiko. The reason why Nen Daiko’s 20th Anniversary Concert was important to me was because it celebrated the origins of Nen Daiko. We had emcees to honor that perspective too, Beth Fujishige (our founder), and Alan Okada of Soh Daiko (who taught Nen Daiko how to play in the first place). We had both of our sister groups, Soh Daiko and Hoh Daiko, who took time out of their schedule to come down en masse. It was the first time we did our own first stage production too. We played Okedo, which was a new piece. It was a lot of firsts. It was also an realization of one of the core tenets of Buddhist taiko, which is being aware of the causes and conditions that brought you where you are today. Where we are today is because of all the people, influences, and actions throughout our history. What memory exemplifies being a Nennie? During transitions, sometimes I play fue. Our group is very open to letting people learn on the fly and early on, I found myself in a role to play fue at gigs. There is always encouragement and opportunity to try new things. We want to do things well, but we don’t expect professional caliber when we get up there. I got through a lot of those early gigs but I was not very good, so I never get more than a polite reception. I’ll remember this one gig though, it was the last gig of the year, and when I finished, I heard a kid say “Wow!” and there was real applause and that meant a lot to me. It’s very motivating, not wanting to let each other down and it was totally satisfying to be able to feel like I was successful for the group. All of us in Nen Daiko strive to be better, together, and it pays off. What are you most looking forward to about Taiko Jam? I am looking forward to being on stage with Nen Daiko for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We have worked really hard - extra practices each week on top of all the other obligations. There is a lot of stress we have to manage at work, home and taiko. Having all 13 members fly to San Diego, playing the last act with these incredible professional groups - these are causes and conditions that will never happen again. What should the audience look for in Nen Daiko’s performance at Taiko Jam? A genuine energy and appreciation for being there. What is Brant’s taiko playing superpower according to the other Nennies?
Brenda Photo by Kris Ikejiri When did you decide you wanted to play taiko? When I was in middle school growing up in Hawaii, my friend took me to a Kenny Endo concert. I said to myself, “This is what I want to do.” I was drawn to the power and strength behind certain pieces and my favorite pieces to play are the power pieces. Out of all the things you could do, why do you choose to spend time on taiko? I grew up in Hawaii where I was surrounded by Japanese culture, but it is harder to find in northern Virginia. Playing taiko gives me that connection to Japanese culture. I enjoy being around people who are familiar with and appreciate Japanese culture. I feel we are ambassadors. I also find joy in watching the audience enjoying a performance. Finally, it is a huge stress release pounding the drum. Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences playing taiko. Playing taiko at my wedding reception in my wedding dress is my most memorable taiko experience. We arranged for Kenny Endo’s group to perform at my wedding, and to have me play during one of the songs called Oiuchi Daiko. There was one part where you go in front of the drum and make an X pattern. The other two drummers assumed that I could not make that movement in my wedding dress so they modified their movements, but I did it so they did the same thing during the rest of the song. Everybody in the hall went crazy. They were not expecting me to jump on stage and half did not even know I had been learning taiko. We also grabbed my husband Brad and gave him bells to play. What memory exemplifies being a Nennie? Something that unifies all the Nennies is our love of food and eating. Food makes everyone happy. What are you most looking forward to about Taiko Jam? I am looking forward to feedback from the wider taiko community. They could be our harshest critics but also our biggest supporters. I appreciate the opportunity to be the best that Nen Daiko can be. What should the audience look for in Nen Daiko’s performance at Taiko Jam? I hope they see the energy we give to each other when we perform. It is clear we like each other and this translates into a good chemistry on stage. What is Brenda’s taiko playing superpower according to the other Nennies?
Carla Photo by Oscar Hernandez When did you decide you wanted to play taiko? I saw a tutorial about how to make a gomi-daiko, or a taiko drum from a garbage bin. I make many things from found items, and the tutorial looked fun. However I felt it would be an odd thing to make if I had never played taiko. I found a workshop with Mark H. Taiko. The first time my bachi hit a taiko, I felt a deep sense of joy. I had never played percussion and I loved the fact that there was no limit to how much energy I could put into the sound. I was ready to live a life without limits. Out of all the things you could do, why do you choose to spend time on taiko? I feel like I am the best version of myself when I am with Nen Daiko - brave, collaborative, vibrant, at peace. We laugh so much. We work as a team to make something happen that is not related to our careers or families. I also like surprising people. Many people are surprised I play taiko since I am from Atlantic Canada and never saw taiko performed until a few years ago. I like sharing the world of taiko with many new people. Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences playing taiko. It was my dream to play the song Rouga, or Wolf Fang, composed by Ryo Shimamoto since the first time I saw Nen Daiko perform. The composer has told us that his intent was to make the audience feel fear when they watch the song. However, I loved the song from the start because it showed a close-knit pack working together. I wanted to play the song and I wanted to be a member of the pack. The first time I played it all the way through, and it held a form in my mind, was such a thrill. Every time since has been even more memorable. What memory exemplifies being a Nennie? When I joined Nen Daiko, I was an apprentice with Jeff and Kevin. We evolve as Nennies together. My greatest memories are when we are performing together, encouraging each other. It’s like we have a shared understanding of what it took to get here and how much farther we could go. What are you most looking forward to about Taiko Jam? I am most looking forward to playing Rouga, which will squeeze every ounce of energy from us. I’m looking forward to putting it all out on the stage. What should the audience look for in Nen Daiko’s performance at Taiko Jam? I hope the audience senses Nen Daiko’s gratitude for the opportunity to perform in Taiko Jam. I hope we get to share the Taiko Jam quilt, which shows the names of the Nen Daiko community - our friends, family and fans - who donated towards a travel fund for us to attend. It shows how this performance is meaningful to a wider circle of people. What is Carla’s taiko playing superpower according to the other Nennies?
Dee Photo by Don Smith When did you decide you wanted to play taiko? I was nine years old in Japanese school in Hawaii. Taiko was one of the things they offered. I asked to try it out. Out of all the things you could do, why do you choose to spend time on taiko? At this point, I feel like it’s in my blood. I couldn’t imagine not doing it. When I don’t do it, I feel like I lose a part of myself. Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences playing taiko. One of my most memorable performances with Nen Daiko was at the National Theater. It wasn’t just the performance but the experience leading up to it. It was the first time we were performing in such a prestigious venue. We were practicing three times per week. We worked very hard and people who had seen us before said they had never seen us like that. That was the start of us pushing really hard to attain a new level. It built towards our Anniversary Concert and now the North American Taiko Conference. What memory exemplifies being a Nennie? We are very much a community group. Everyone contributes. It’s not like one person is the head of the group and everyone follows along. People take turns leading and training. I haven’t seen another group run like that. What are you most looking forward to about Taiko Jam? Being able to play with the Nennies again. [Dee is a guest performer with Nen Daiko as she now lives in Hawaii.] What should the audience look for in Nen Daiko’s performance at Taiko Jam? How Nen Daiko embodies the spirit of each song. With Rouga, it is a spirit of hunger and Shiawase, the spirit of happiness. We work hard to show the different emotions. What is Dee’s taiko playing superpower according to the other Nennies?
Emily Photo by Bruce Guthrie When did you decide you wanted to play taiko? I grew up seeing taiko at various festivals in Los Angeles. My first exposure to professional taiko players was seeing Kodo and San Francisco Taiko Dojo in concert at the International Taiko Festival during my freshman year at Cal. Throughout college, I was involved in various Asian American groups, and San Jose Taiko was my favorite community group - lots of women, incredible energy, and they were having so much fun! One of my friends was thinking about auditioning for San Jose Taiko, and since I was staying in the Bay Area for a job, I thought about it too... until I heard that they warmed up with a 5 mile run (or some crazy-sounding number like that). The moment finally came when I moved to Washington DC and I met someone who said they played taiko with Nen Daiko. I said, “I’ve always wanted to play taiko!” and fortunately they were having a workshop. I had a great time at the workshop and then one of the members said, “You’re going to audition, right?” Who knew I could try it out and then actually audition for the group...life with taiko is so much better! Out of all the things you could do, why do you choose to spend time on taiko? There is a phrase called “taiko baka” or “taiko crazy.” That’s a good description of me. Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences playing taiko. There are so many bloopers that other Nennies will willingly tell about, but let’s just say Advil + Tylenol make for a rather slow shime player! For a more serious memory, we were playing at the National Cherry Blossom Festival at the Jefferson Memorial and it started snowing. It was the most beautiful moment because the snow and the sakura looked similarly and fleetingly beautiful. Both represent impermanence to me, and as we were playing, everything seemed much softer (imagine snow and sakura silently falling). It felt surreal and beautiful. I Love Nen Daiko: What memory exemplifies being a Nennie? When we were preparing for our 20th Anniversary Concert in 2014, it took months of preparation, planning, and practice. The process of trying to find alums, pitch the idea to our sister groups to perform with us, and create a meaningful concert to celebrate our 20 years helped me connect to the roots of our group and the causes and consequences that allowed us to exist since 1994. For that concert, we were so honored to have Hoh Daiko and Soh Daiko play with us. The relationship between these three groups is part of what it means to be a Nennie. Oh, and of course, the food... What are you most looking forward to about Taiko Jam? I am looking forward to us giving it all that we have and performing our best, whatever that means for our group. I hope most of all that we have a blast doing it! What should the audience look for in Nen Daiko’s performance at Taiko Jam? I hope the audience sees our connectedness. People say that when we perform, we look like a group that likes each other and I hope that is visible at Taiko Jam. What is Emily’s taiko playing superpower according to the other Nennies?
Geoff Photo by Bruce Guthrie When did you decide you wanted to play taiko? I was living in Kuju, Japan as part of the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) program. In my town was a taiko group named Tao which has since become quite well-known, travelling the world. I saw them perform and we became friends. I started looking for a taiko group nearby where I could learn, and found an all-women’s group. In rural Japan, when you express interest in something, people do their best to help you find it, so this group included me and taught me how to play. Out of all the things you could do, why do you choose to spend time on taiko? For the fun! People talk about all the meaningful reasons to play taiko. To me, those are a bonus. The fun is the main reason - the art is fun, the social environment is fun, even the equipment is fun because it is different from any other hobby. Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences playing taiko. One time I was practicing with my taiko group in Japan. We practiced on a stage in a community center. My friend from Tao came to give us tips. I was playing on an instrument which looks like a big bamboo log. Half way through the song, my bachi shattered and went up into the air. After the performance, my friend said, “That looked really cool.” What memory exemplifies being a Nennie? Usually each spring during cherry blossom season, there is one day where we have 2-3 performances all on one day. It takes a lot preparation to be able to do different shows all on one day. The shows are at awesome venues like Smithsonian museums or the fireworks. We are playing in front of landmarks. And while the performances are great, a lot of the memories are how we spend our time hanging out between the performances, eating food like Shake Shack. What are you most looking forward to about Taiko Jam? Being on stage with professional groups - which is not something we ever get to do. How often do you get the chance to say, “I played in a concert with Kodo, On Ensemble and Unit Souzou.” If you were in a rock band locally, and you could play with Aerosmith, wouldn’t you think that was awesome? What should the audience look for in Nen Daiko’s performance at Taiko Jam? In every performance, we hide a pineapple somewhere on stage. What is Geoff’s taiko playing superpower according to the other Nennies?
Greg Photo by Sarah Gilbert When did you decide you wanted to play taiko? When I first saw taiko, I was a kid. In high school, I saw Soh Daiko and Hoh Daiko perform, and their energy made it look like a lot of fun to perform. I wanted to play but I didn’t know if it was possible to figure out the logistics since Ekoji did not have a taiko group. When we made Nen Daiko, I was ready to play! Out of all the things you could do, why do you choose to spend time on taiko? At this point, I think taiko is just so ingrained. I don’t even know if I could walk away. Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences playing taiko. A great memory was being able to play on stage with Kenny Endo at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center in Maryland as part of the East Meets West concert series in 2005. I played euphonium and taiko. The concert included many widely renowned musicians who Kenny had invited. One was shakuhachi master Masakazu Yoshizawa who played on the soundtrack for Memoirs of a Geisha and with the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra. Hitoshi Hamada played vibraphone or marimba. What memory exemplifies being a Nennie? There was a gig we used to do on the Tidal Basin by the Jefferson Memorial. One time we were playing Man’in and I broke a bachi playing an okedo solo. The energy of that performance in that moment - everyone seemed so unified. What are you most looking forward to about Taiko Jam? I am looking forward to playing for my taiko friends. Some of these friends I only get to see at the taiko conference, and some cases, they may never have seen me do an actual performance in person. It will be great to show them, this is how our group plays. What should the audience look for in Nen Daiko’s performance at Taiko Jam? Hopefully they will see a variety of different songs and emotions that we are trying to convey in the types of pieces that we play. What is Greg’s taiko playing superpower according to the other Nennies?
Jeff Photo by Bruce Hollywood When did you decide you wanted to play taiko? I had lived in Japan for many years and I was looking for Japanese cultural events here in northern Virginia. I volunteered at the Obon festival at Ekoji in 2010. When I saw Nen Daiko perform, it looked like so much fun. In Japan, I played a taiko video game called Taiko no Tatsujin and I saw taiko performed at summer festivals, but I had not pursued playing there. I went to Nen Daiko’s 20th anniversary concert in 2014 and at the end, they announced there would be auditions for new members. That was the first time I heard that it might be an option for me to play. Out of all the things you could do, why do you choose to spend time on taiko? Taiko has all the components of things I appreciate - musical, Japanese, exercise and teamwork. Taiko has all these elements so it’s an efficient use of time! I had always been a musician playing in rock bands. I need something musical in my life. When you are in a band that clicks, you develop relationships unlike any others. Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences playing taiko. The first performance where I participated as an apprentice, it was very cold outside - only about 30 degrees Fahrenheit. It was at the Freedom Walk in Washington DC. At that performance, the apprentices were not playing - we were helping to move equipment. It was an opportunity to wrap our minds around being a part of a performance. It was so cold but I saw how to be part of the group. I saw how the drums were moved and how people interacted and supported each other. What memory exemplifies being a Nennie? Before every practice and performance, we meditate. Everyone focuses on why we are here. We are here for each other. While taiko often embodies the values of interdependence, the meditation feels like the purest moment of that. What are you most looking forward to about Taiko Jam? I am looking forward to learning what is possible. What am I made of? I am not very experienced and it is scary to be in the same room with so much talent. At the same time, it is thrilling to be in the same room with these musicians. What should the audience look for in Nen Daiko’s performance at Taiko Jam? A great time What is Jeff’s taiko playing superpower according to the other Nennies?
Kevin Photo by Bruce Guthrie When did you decide you wanted to play taiko? I don’t think I decided to play - I was just so young when I saw taiko played at Orange County Buddhist Church. I remember climbing on the drums and odaiko stand when I was about 5 or 6 - my mom was so embarrassed by my behavior. I played as soon as they would let me. Out of all the things you could do, why do you choose to spend time on taiko? Taiko is relaxing because it is home. It is an expression of myself where the stresses and whatever else are pushed aside for a while. It takes full body dedication so you can’t think about anything else. Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences playing taiko. When I mentored younger players, I was always impressed by these quiet kids. They were unassuming, not extroverts, but when they played, they dedicated themselves to making the music come alive. I have seen these quiet kids flourish when they play taiko. What memory exemplifies being a Nennie? Hawaiian food, most importantly. I also love the interaction between Nennies. It is a different dynamic from other groups I have seen where there is a more senpai-kōhai structure or where there is one main leader. With Nen Daiko, we are all in this together. We pull together everyone’s different experiences to come up with our performance. What are you most looking forward to about Taiko Jam? I am most looking forward to performing for my daughter, Yuko. I travel so much and I’m not around a lot. It means a lot when she takes pride in what I do and says, “That’s my daddy.” I want to share with her my love for music, even if she may not understand why this performance has so much gravity for me. I also hope some people from my taiko group in California, Daion Taiko, might be able to attend. What should the audience look for in Nen Daiko’s performance at Taiko Jam? The communication and interaction between the Nennies. Even when there are solos, no one plays alone. Others will be playing the gi or kiaing. There will be a genuine togetherness with everyone. What is Kevin’s taiko playing superpower according to the other Nennies?
Lisa Photo by Sarah Gilbert When did you decide you wanted to play taiko? I had just started at a new secondary school in Japan. I was exploring the campus when I heard taiko coming from the gym. There was a group of seniors playing Buchiawase. I was 12 years old and blown away by the playing of these 17-18 year olds. The sound hit me in the pit of my stomach and I was mesmerized. It had such a visceral impact on me. I'm usually very analytical, but I didn’t make a mental decision to play taiko, it just needed to happen. Out of all the things you could do, why do you choose to spend time on taiko? Taiko is a way to be the whole me and not just parts of me. External and internal judgment and expectations can cause you to compartmentalize different parts of yourself. Taiko is a way for me to connect the various and sometimes conflicting parts of me and just be. It’s a grounded, unified, total, complete me. Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences playing taiko? I used to play with a group in Texas. At one of our performances, I was inexplicably in the moment while playing the song Buchiawase. I wasn’t doing my usual analyzing, critiquing, or worrying. I was only focused on and aware of each moment as it happened. Taiko is one of the few ways I can experience this, and when it happens, it’s the best feeling in the world. Hachijo Daiko is a piece where two drummers play on either side of the drum head with the drum between you. Since you can't rely on visual cues as the piece changes tempo, I focused very hard on sensing my taiko partner on the other side of the drum. We practiced so often that we understood how the two rhythms were supposed to fit into each other, but there was usually some hesitation as we listened for each other and we weren't quite in sync. But one morning, something just clicked. It was just us practicing in the warehouse, but we could sense each other's every move. I was 12 years old, and it left a huge impression on how to listen and play together. Finally, I remember a week long workshop on Sado Island with Kodo. The participants and instructors shared every meal, and spent all day, everyday practicing together. This culminated in a performance which was pure support without hierarchies or judgment. We ranged from 13 year olds like me, all the way to grown-up, professional taiko players. We played and cheered each other through a physically demanding performance of Chichibu Yatai-bayashi. Giving your all to each other creates such an amazing sense of community and support like no other. What memory exemplifies being a Nennie? Obon season at Ekoji and Seabrook Buddhist Temples each July really exemplifies being a Nennie. Everyone pitches in, works hard, and has fun creating something together. It shows Nen Daiko's Buddhist taiko origins - one of the ways taiko spread across North America. This time is also about the connections between the three Buddhist temples and their respective taiko groups that are a part of our lineage - Soh Daiko of the New York Buddhist Church, Hoh Daiko of Seabrook Buddhist Temple, and us. At Seabrook, there is a huge community hall and kitchen. The Seabrook community members welcome us with obentos and we all eat together. I love that space so much. It has a nostalgic feel of kids' summer camps in the Japanese countryside. What are you most looking forward to about Taiko Jam? I am looking forward to the shared experience and camaraderie with a group of such amazing and creative performers. Our backgrounds are so different, but we have a shared bond of being part of the North American taiko community. If the North American taiko community members are immediate family, I suppose the Japanese performers are our extended cousins and uncles from our original hometowns! What should the audience look for in Nen Daiko’s performance at Taiko Jam? I hope the audience can feel the bond between us as we play. Nen Daiko members' trust and support for each other is where we get our characteristic energy and smiles. What is Lisa’s taiko playing superpower according to the other Nennies?
Lisa Photo by Heather Mitchell-Buck When did you decide you wanted to play taiko? I saw Ondekoza perform many years ago and it blew my mind. Out of all the things you could do, why do you choose to spend time on taiko? I love my job but it’s very demanding in terms of travel. In the past year, I’ve worked in Switzerland, Haiti, Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Canada, and South Africa. My family and taiko ground me to my home and community. Taiko connects me to my Japanese heritage and my extended taiko family (including two cousins and two cousin-in-laws in Nen Daiko). I genuinely love learning and practicing taiko even when I (often) struggle to learn something new; it’s actually never really been about performing for an audience for me at all (no shock to my fellow Nen Daiko members, who know I would rather have a root canal than do a solo). Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences playing taiko? I had the chance to play uchiwa while on stage with San Francisco Taiko Dojo and Dave Brubeck. Also, I once smacked myself in the forehead with an o-daiko bachi while performing at a gala at the National Building Museum in DC. What memory exemplifies being a Nennie? Any Nen Daiko potluck. It’s really all about the food. What are you most looking forward to about Taiko Jam? I’ve never been to Taiko Jam before! I’m looking forward to seeing the other groups perform. What should the audience look for in Nen Daiko’s performance at Taiko Jam? Probably my MedicAlert bracelet. I should really get one before I go on that stage. What is Lisa’s taiko playing superpower according to the other Nennies?
Maya Photo by Kris Ikejiri When did you decide you wanted to play taiko? I attended Dharma School at Ekoji Buddhist Temple as I was growing up. When I was in high school, Ekoji decided to start a taiko group. I have a vague recollection of going to Seabrook Buddhist Temple and doing a taiko workshop. Out of all the things you could do, why do you choose to spend time on taiko? I like the musicality of taiko. I’ve played different musical instruments in my life (clarinet, piano), but I love that taiko has so many different ways to add to the musical experience - different sizes of drums, flutes, and other percussion instruments. I think it’s also great stress relief (more so than clarinet or piano!). I have a lot of close friendships in our taiko group. There is also the Buddhist application part of taiko; it gives those of us who are Buddhist another avenue to experience the teachings. Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences playing taiko? My first thought is when I tore my calf muscle while playing Man’in during the 2016 Obon - the after-effects stuck with me for a good month. I found out after when talking with Tamiko that several women in Soh Daiko (and our own Emily too) had experienced the same injury. It must come with the territory. One of the coolest memories performance-wise was when we did Rouga at our anniversary concert. We did it right into the intermission. The lighting during the performance was very theatrical - red lights at an angle. The lights cut on the last beat of the song. We were all together. After we finished that, we were like, “That was so awesome.” What memory exemplifies being a Nennie? We stay true to ourselves. We don’t try to be something we are not. When we were doing a solo improv workshop with Kenny Endo, he was trying to help us be better at improvising. One of the tips he shared was to visualize something in your head and play to that vision. He told us to envision the large stone lantern outside in the garden. We each did our solos and Kenny said, “Well, that was very avant-garde.” What are you most looking forward to about Taiko Jam? Being able to have that experience as a group - I have never seen Taiko Jam. I have been to one taiko conference. At that conference, I had to leave early because I could only get so much time off work. I have only heard the stories when the Nennies come back, their awestruck impressions. Based on my understanding of the history of the taiko conference and Taiko Jam in particular, it’s a huge honor for the group. What should the audience look for in Nen Daiko’s performance at Taiko Jam? The most common feedback that we get from people after our performances is that “you guys look like you are having so much fun.” That’s very representative of being a Nennie because we do have fun. That’s why we are willing to spend so much time together and go over one motion over and over so we can make sure it is in our muscle memory, hitting at the same angle. It’s a fun group experience. The joy we experience and our “not-taking-ourselves-not-too-seriously” comes across in our performance. What is Maya’s taiko playing superpower according to the other Nennies?
Victoria Photo by Evan Michio When did you decide you wanted to play taiko?
I lived in Japan as a kid and I was always interested in Japanese arts and culture. I studied sumo wrestling and koto, but not taiko. When I was in college at Swarthmore, a girl on my ultimate frisbee team kept missing tournaments for her taiko class. I thought it would be cool to get college credit playing taiko. I had played violin seriously growing up, and that was a mostly intellectual musical experience where you didn’t improvise. In contrast, taiko was a fusion of music and physicality. I am an all-or-nothing person, so it was not long before I was also playing with the taiko club, a nine-hour-per-week commitment. There was a senior doing his thesis project - a two-hour taiko concert. We worked together to make it happen and I experienced a real sense of community. When you are working with a group towards a big goal, it is very meaningful for everyone. Out of all the things you could do, why do you choose to spend time on taiko? I first started playing with Nen Daiko because I wanted the feeling like playing with my college group. I appreciate that Nen Daiko has a serious commitment to the art form, but we also have the reality of full-time jobs. Over time, I felt my commitment grow. Now the Nennies are my family. There is so much unspoken when we play. I can actually feel our relationships changing when we play - it is how we express ourselves to each other. To perform at this level while working full-time requires sacrifice in other areas of our lives. It inspires me that people are willing to do it. We play not only for the love of taiko but for each other. I feel people’s sacrifices very personally, all so that we can give our energy and art to the world. Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences playing taiko? When I was apprentice, I was at my final evaluation playing Renshuu after nine months of training. I was so thrilled, excited and hopeful. I was hoping I was good enough. It was a happy relief when all three of us made it. I felt like a new future opened for me. What memory exemplifies being a Nennie? For our 20th year anniversary concert, we wanted to celebrate all the people who made Nen Daiko possible through the years. We worked hard to incorporate them in the show. We are always mindful of how we got where we are and what makes us who we are as a group. What are you most looking forward to about Taiko Jam? Preparing for Taiko Jam, we re-envisioned some pieces and revisited their core meaning. We improved the choreography and, in some cases, rearranged the piece itself. That exploration was an exciting part of the process and it is fun to share it with fellow taiko players. What should the audience look for in Nen Daiko’s performance at Taiko Jam? Look for how each player’s personality is expressed as they play. We are all expressing the same emotion but in our own ways. Each person’s performance forms a cohesive thought. What is Victoria’s taiko playing superpower according to the other Nennies?
*** So be sure to get your tickets to see Taiko Jam on August 12 and 13 at the University of California San Diego! Tickets are currently sold out for the Saturday evening show so we hope you can come Sunday. If you can't make it to San Diego for the show, we'll be sharing lots of photos & videos via social media, so be sure to follow Nen Daiko on Facebook and Instagram.
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Nen Daiko is so grateful for everyone who contributed to the success of Obon 2017, the summer festival at Ekoji Buddhist Temple. We received many incredible photos and videos from attendees. If you took photos or video, we'd love to hear from you at info@nendaiko.org!
For this year's performance, Nen Daiko played the four songs that we are preparing for Taiko Jam 2017 at the North American Taiko Conference next month in San Diego, California - Satori no Michi, Shiawase Ondo, Wanderlust and Rouga. There are some tickets still available if you live nearby - August 12 & 13 at the University of California at San Diego. 
Before we perform, we meditate off-stage. This is particularly important at Obon where we have all been volunteering at top speed for days. (Photo: Evan Cantwell)
Satori no Michi (The Path to Enlightenment)
This song was composed by former Nen Daiko member Ruth Vines.
The song started with the Buddhist chant Shoshinge. (Photo: Kris Ikejiri)
The audience kindly sat down all around so everyone could see - thank you! (Photo: Evan Cantwell)
This song is a call-and-response between the odaiko (the large upright drum) and the chu-daikos (the smaller angled drums. (Photo: Kris Ikejiri)
The people playing the smaller drums have solos, representing their individual paths to Enlightenment. (Photo: Kris Ikejiri)
The odaiko represents the Buddha. (Photo: Kris Ikejiri)
Satori is a lot of fun to play! (Photo: Kris Ikejiri)
Shiawase (Happiness)
This song was composed by Greg Nakamura (playing the tied drum in this performance).
The song begins with the higher pitched tied drum, or shime-daiko, accompanied by the chappa or cymbals), and a kane or dish-shaped bell. (Photo: Heather Mitchell-Buck)
The taiko accompany the shino-bue or bamboo flute melody. (Photo: Heather Mitchell-Buck)
It helps to be light on your feet when playing Shiawase. (Photo: Kris Ikejiri)
This song has a lot of choreography with big happy movements. (Photo: Evan Cantwell)
Many people love this song for its lively melody and the joy on our faces. (Photo: Tara Innes)
Check out this clip of Shiawase, shared on Instagram by Rhonda Geyer with @jetsetseniors: Wanderlust
This song was composed by Greg Nakamura. It expresses the bittersweet emotions between leaving the comforts of home and the excitement of new experiences and challenges when going on a journey.
Photo: Evan Cantwell
Photo: Tara Innes
At the end, we slowly turned away from the audience and knelt during the last solo. (Photo: Kris Ikejiri)
Rouga (Wolf Fang)
This song was composed by Ryo Shimamoto. It is about a pack of wolves hunting for prey & it's a very intense song.
Photo: Kris Ikejiri
Photo: Kris Ikejiri
Photo: Heather Mitchell-Buck
Photo: Kris Ikejiri
Photo: Heather Mitchell-Buck
Almost done - look at the intensity of those faces!!! (Photo: Kris Ikejiri)
For a little sense of the intensity of Rouga, check out this video taken by Lesly Cox who shared it at @shoupealoop on Instagram: Taiko Jam Quilt
To prepare for our trip to the North American Taiko Conference performances in Taiko Jam 2017, friends and family have donated to our expenses. Each donor's name is sewn on a Taiko Jam quilt. We shared the quilt at the concert.
There is still time to support Nen Daiko on this adventure, and travel with us virtually to California! Visit our GoFundMe page to support Nen Daiko at Taiko Jam 2017. 
Photo: Heather Mitchell-Buck
Photo: Kris Ikejiri
So Much More at Obon!
Nen Daiko loves performing at Obon AND we love all the other aspects of the experience. Here are a few photos of the many other activities.
There is Bon Odori or community dancing. Nen Daiko provided taiko accompaniment to the dancing. (Photos: Kris Ikejiri)
The Aloha Boys play the best Hawaiian music! (Photo: Kris Ikejiri)
The heart of the Obon celebration is to remember our ancestors and loved ones that have passed on.
Everyone is encouraged to light a candle in memory of those who have passed. These are placed in our Japanese garden and lit during a brief ceremony in the evening after it gets dark. (Photo: Kris Ikejiri) And so much more!!! Learn more at the Ekoji Obon website. Thank you Soh Daiko & Mark H!
Members from our sister taiko group Soh Daiko drove from New York City to volunteer for the day - thanks guys! (Photo: Carla Brown)
Having the power of 12 drummers in Rouga would not have been possible without the help of Mark H. Rooney. Thank you for the use of your drums and equipment! If you'd like to try taiko, check out Mark's taiko workshops!
Thank you everyone who came to Obon at Ekoji Buddhist Temple. We hope to see you again next year and bring your friends! Nen Daiko has been delighting Washington DC audiences with their booming taiko performances since 1994. This August, for the first time, Nen Daiko will perform at Taiko Jam 2017 at the North American Taiko Conference. The group is one of three North American groups who will be featured. The North American Taiko Conference gathers taiko players every two years. The first one took place in 1997, 20 years ago. The event has become a central element of the taiko community and is attended by virtually all of the taiko community’s leaders, along with hundreds of players from around the world. Of the groups in Taiko Jam 2017, Nen Daiko is the longest-running group, the only one from the east coast of the United States, and the only one which originated at a Buddhist temple. Many taiko groups started at Buddhist temples as inter-generational activities for temple members. Members from Ekoji Buddhist Temple in Fairfax Station created Nen Daiko, which now includes both temple members and others. Nen Daiko will perform songs that demonstrate the wide-ranging sounds of the group. One song speaks to the sometimes tumultuous path to Enlightenment for Buddhists. Another festive piece was composed for a wedding. A quiet song evokes the nostalgic feelings before a long journey. In the most dramatic piece, the group takes on the characteristics of a wolf pack hunting prey. For Nen Daiko members, performing at Taiko Jam 2017 is a huge honor. Maya Horio was one of the group’s original members, and returned to Nen Daiko in 2004. “Taiko has been a big part of my life for more than 15 years. It’s given me some of my best friends, my husband, a fun musical outlet, and a means to be reminded of the Buddhist teachings outside the temple,” says Horio. “Performing in Taiko Jam 2017 is a once-in-a-lifetime event that I never imagined. I am grateful we can share Nen Daiko’s history and enthusiasm with taiko players from around the world.” To facilitate the trip, Nen Daiko needed to fundraise towards the travel expenses. Nen Daiko member Carla Brown sewed a quilt from Hawaiian-print fabrics. Everyone who donated towards the group’s travel expenses would have their name sewn on a block in the quilt. People from across the country donated. Nen Daiko is overwhelmed by the generosity of these donors and will meditate while holding the quilt before the performances in California.  For those in the DC area who would like to see Nen Daiko before Taiko Jam, they will perform at Obon Festival, a Japanese summer festival, at Ekoji Buddhist Temple on July 8, 2017 at 7:30pm. The festival draws hundreds for taiko, great food and a candlelight ceremony. Visit http://ekojiobonfestival.weebly.com/. Taiko Jam 2017 takes place on August 12-13, 2017 in San Diego. Visit https://taikojam.com/. If you'd like to interview Nen Daiko about this honor, please email us at info@nendaiko.org.  Photo: Don Smith, Obon 2016
 Obon 2016 photo by Don Smith After every performance, one of Nen Daiko’s favorite moments is when audience members share photos and videos. We never take it for granted – the opportunity to play taiko – and having these moments saved and shared means so much. If you love photography and videography, we’d LOVE to see you at our performances this season. The busy season is late-March to early-July. These can be a great opportunities for you to capture photos with dynamic movement and expressions for your portfolio. If you let us know in advance, we can also work to save you a seat near the front. In some venues, we might be able to suggest other great vantage points.  Obon 2016 photo by Don Smith We reached out to some of the kind photographers who have shared their talents over the years for advice on how to take great taiko photos – and they sent a HUGE amount of tips that we are excited to share. We hope this inspires you to bring your cameras and phone to our upcoming performances! What camera should I bring to a taiko performance?Mike Gallan There is a phrase, "the best camera is the one that's with you". If a point and shoot camera or smartphone is what you have, by all means use it! Similarly, don't get a camera that's so bulky that you're unlikely to bring it. Don Smith Your creativity and imagination are probably more important than technical considerations. You will be happier with your results, however, if you use a camera that allows you to set the shutter speed and aperture. Bruce Guthrie Every camera today can take decent pictures and "auto" works for quite a lot of what you're going to photograph. Unfortunately, "auto" doesn't always realize the drumsticks are moving fast like hummingbirds. If your camera has the chops, screw around with the ISO setting, try for quicker exposures (ISO 3200 can be a godsend). Most cameras have a setting somewhere that lets you adjust the ISO. Is it appropriate to use my flash during performances? SAAM Cherry Blossom Celebration photo by Bruce Guthrie Bruce Guthrie The “auto” setting on some cameras will automatically invoke flash photographs. Flash photography is useful and necessary sometimes but it's annoying to the audience as well as to the performers. It's also usually not going to be powerful enough to adequately cover more than one or two performers at a time and it can take some time for most camera batteries to recover from taking flash photographs so you're going to miss other shots. See what tricks your camera can do to avoid flash. Mike Gallan I keep my flash disabled. Flash can disturb the performance and in continuous shooting mode the flash just can't keep up. A high ISO value can be used if there's not enough light. How do you frame your shots to get a great taiko photo?Don Smith Think as a visual storyteller, and plan a mix of wide and close-up shots. Capture dramatic movements -- including drummers suspended in mid-air -- and facial expressions.  SAAM Cherry Blossom Celebration 2016 photo by Bruce Guthrie Bruce Guthrie: Figure out how you can get an interesting perspective on the picture. Straight-on photographs are frequently fine but consider photographing from below (seeing drum sticks up in the air is pretty cool) or the side (drum sticks don't look like drum sticks unless you can actually see them in length). Drumsticks flailing are cool and, yes, feel free to highlight the things. But don't forget the performers' faces! It gives scale to the picture and makes the photographs mean a whole lot more to the group you're photographing. A public performance has two components: the performers and the folks watching the performance. Catch spectators when you can... unless you're afraid that will tick them off in which case don't. Panorama shots are great for audience shots but keep in mind the folks on stage may be moving too fast for the shots to come out. Groups play in lots of different places. And, you know what, every stage pretty much looks the same. If you're just photographing the performers, you'll lose track of where they were performing. Try to get shots of the subject within the setting. Maybe a shot from below will highlight the ceiling which might be unique. If you're allowed to get behind the subject and photograph toward the audience, make sure you catch the venue.  SAAM Cherry Blossom Celebration photo by Bruce Guthrie  Obon 2016 photo by Mike Gallan Mike Gallan Identify and emphasize the subject of your photo. Maybe it's a single person, a few people interacting, or even an inanimate object. Then get close. Move forward, zoom in, or crop to remove the clutter and draw attention to the subject. During the performance periodically review your photos and make sure they're turning out as expected. Make sure things are in focus. It's easy to accidentally change a camera setting and have an entire set of shots be blurry.  Sakura Taiko Fest 2016 photo by Sarah Gilbert Sarah Gilbert, Soh Daiko member & photographer One way to increase your success rate: know the repertoire. If you are planning ahead of time to photograph a taiko performance, and especially if the group has requested your services, try to learn some of the repertoire; get a feel for how the group and even specific performers operate. Check out their YouTube videos, or if you are the contracted photographer, ask the group what pieces they'll be performing and if they can share clips of those pieces with you. This will allow you to come up with an informal (or formal, if that's how you roll) shot list and prepare you to capture the best moments - and there will be many of them, so be ready! What lens should I bring to a taiko performance? Sakura Taiko Fest 2016 photo by Sarah Gilbert Sarah Gilbert, Soh Daiko member and photographer For an indoor event with typical stage lighting, the number one must-have for taiko event photography is a lens with a wide aperture, or in other words, a low f-stop setting (f1.4-2.8 is ideal, in my opinion). Having a wide aperture means having a fast lens that will allow in much more light, which is imperative given the speed that taiko players use when striking a drum and, often, jumping around the stage. You could get away with something in the f-5 range, but you'll be sacrificing the sharpness of your images and saddling yourself with a lot more post-processing to correct the lighting. For outdoor photography, it's dealer's choice as far as lens selection goes. The major difference here is that you'll often have more flexibility when it comes to moving around the stage/performance area; with an indoor event, you'll likely want a lens with a bit of range to zoom and get a variety of shots, while outdoors you can move around and take advantage of a prime lens. Helpful, but not required, is a wide angle lens. Taiko is an incredibly interactive art form, with the performers not only interacting with and engaging the audience, but also each other. Using a wide angle lens allows you to capture more of that perspective surrounding your focal point while maintaining a more natural depth. Bonus: it's so much easier to capture that sweet full-group pose at the end of a high-intensity piece. Don Smith A mid-range zoom lens (something in the 24mm-105mm range) will help you to get a good mix of group and individual shots. Mike Gallan I like to zoom in close on subjects so a telephoto lens is key for me. I use a basic Canon 55-250mm telephoto lens that can be found for under $150. What settings are helpful when photographing taiko? Obon 2016 photo by Mike Gallan Mike Gallan Aim for the fastest shutter speed possible. I'd suggest 1/250 at a minimum, but 1/500 is better. This will allow you to freeze motion and expressions. Some people like to use a shutter priority mode ("Tv" or "S") for this. If you're in a lower-light situation you may need to set your ISO to a higher value (1600, 3200, etc.) and your aperture to a lower number (4.0, 5.6) to achieve a faster shutter speed. Once you're able to freeze action with a high shutter speed, try lowering it to 1/250 or 1/125 and experimenting. This can create a blurred effect on a drummer's arms and convey a sense of motion. If you have a point and shoot camera that doesn't have many manual settings try using a "sports" mode. (There may be a "running man" icon to indicate this.) I prefer to keep my camera in continuous shooting mode. This lets you capture a series of photos when the shutter button is held down. This is invaluable in situations when a drummer is moving too quickly for you to capture a precise position or expression. It also helps you avoid shots of people with their eyes closed. Be careful with this feature, though. If overused, your camera may be too busy storing photos to let you continue shooting. There's nothing worse than missing an incredible moment because your camera is still writing!  Obon 2016 photo by Don Smith Bruce Guthrie Vary it a bit if you can -- do some longer exposures where you can see the motion happening -- but make sure you get some of those fast shots. Don Smith You want a shutter speed of 1/500 second or faster to freeze action; for some blur in the hands and feet to convey motion, experiment with slower shutter speeds. To isolate individuals against a blurred background, use a wide aperture (f4 or f2.8, for example; "smaller numbers" are wider apertures). Use a narrower aperture (f11 or even f16) if you want everything in focus. If you are shooting video, it is critical to keep the camera still so you don't make your viewers seasick. A good tripod makes a huge difference. Any final tips to get the best possible photos of Nen Daiko? Obon 2016 photo by Mike Gallan Bruce Guthrie If you're at a live performance, there are going to be spectators. Little kids are going to block your shots. Figure you'll lose whole chunks of them and take extras! If you try something new and it doesn't work out, try it again with a slight change. Keep at it! Mike Gallan Take *lots* of photos and be selective about what you share. I took about 200 photos of the Obon 2016 performance but only shared 18 of them. Many were near-duplicates but I still had tough decisions to make about which to include. Yes, it can be embarrassing to admit how many photos you throw away, but I believe a lot of photography is trial and error! In terms of photo editing, I use Lightroom, but there are many alternatives. Many are free. The ability to brighten "shadows" or shaded areas is a key feature for me. I'm still surprised how a little cropping or adjustment can turn a seemingly hopeless photo into a keeper. Have fun taking pictures! Shoot what catches your eye and draws your attention. For me with Nen Daiko, it's always about capturing energy, power, and the joy and camaraderie of the performances. Thank you to our volunteer photographers for their wisdom! Obon 2016 photo by Don Smith We hope you have fun taking photos at our performances and then you’ll share your favorites with us! We love to share them with fans over social media and we are dedicated to always listing photo credits.
If you use Instagram, remember to tag photos from our performances with #nendaiko. We’ll be checking and re-sharing your photos on our account! Thank you AGAIN to Sarah, Bruce, Mike and Don for sharing their talents. We hope you are inspired!
Dee’s Early Years with Nen Daiko Dee playing with Nen Daiko in 2005
Dee moved from Hawaii to attend George Mason University. She started playing with Nen Daiko as a college freshman. As she wrote in her farewell letter to us, “Everything was so new and unfamiliar, and the culture was so different from my upbringing. Finding a taiko group out here helped me feel like I’d found a small piece of home in this 'foreign' land.”
Dee had played taiko since she was a girl and brought a wealth of expertise to Nen Daiko even as a young woman. She adjusted to the Nen Daiko style of playing taiko. She overcame shyness to engage with a whole new group of people. Dee’s Favorite Songs in Nen Daiko’s Repertoire
Dee tells a story about her first year with Nen Daiko, when Nennie Greg Nakamura composed a taiko song for his friends’ wedding. In one week, and with the composition still in flux, Dee learned the piece to play at the wedding. It was called Shiawase Ondo, which means happiness, and became Dee’s favorite piece of all Nen Daiko’s repertoire.
 Nen Daiko plays Yamabiko in 2004 at the National Building Museum
When asked what song she would most miss playing, Dee said it would be Yamabiko, a happy song with lots of movement and dancing. The drummers face each other as we play, and we share energy with big smiles and loud shouts of encouragement. As Dee wrote, “I can’t help but smile when playing this piece and everyone’s energy is just so infectious.”
 Rouga at 20th Anniversary Concert, 2014 (Photo: Evan Michio)
Dee describes the song Rouga as “the most challenging piece that I have ever learned and also the most different.” This song represents a wolf pack chasing prey. It requires us to stand in a very different stance than typical taiko songs, so that we look like we are ready to pounce.
“In the time we’ve spent on this piece, I’ve really been able to learn about the art of subtlety, and have become more attuned to body awareness,” said Dee. That is really saying something, because one of Dee’s many talents is her ability to watch someone play and articulate very clearly and kindly how they can improve their playing. Dee has trained many Nennies, all with varying body shapes and musical backgrounds, to play in a way that looks cohesive. Nen Daiko Celebrates Dee’s Contributions
Dee’s last performance as a Nennie was at our Obon festival last July, where Nen Daiko and the audience applauded her.
Celebrating Dee at Obon 2016 (Photo: Don Smith)
This month, Nennies from past and present came together to share memories of Dee. We ate her favorite spaghetti and meatballs from the restaurant Villa Bella, along with many homemade treats such as her favorite Funfetti cupcakes.
Dee's Farewell Party with Nennies from past and present, along with our families (Photo: Melvin Coutrier)
We made a slideshow and a scrapbook. We sang Aloha ʻOe, accompanied by Kevin Koyama on ukulele and Greg Nakamura on piano – which was moving for all of us. (Video by Chris Bistline)
Thank You Dee
It’s not easy to put into words the impact that Dee made on Nen Daiko. She often sets the standard of how to play the songs in our repertoire, making it look effortless. She always listens with a smile, sneaks in a word of encouragement and shows up every time. She laughs easily and remembers everything. You can’t play the shime part to that song? Ask Dee. You are not sure where we put the tape / bolt / rope? Ask Dee. Thank goodness there is Skype so we can ask Dee.
There are many reasons to play taiko, and being part of a group that cares for each other is by far one of the most important reasons. In Dee’s farewell letter to Nen Daiko, she shared the poem Footprint on My Heart by Flavia Weedn, which ends with the lines: Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never ever the same. Dee, domo arigato gozaimashita.  Greg performing at Obon 2016 - Photo by Mike Gallan by Greg Nakamura Like some kids, my formal musical training began in the third grade, when I started piano lessons. In fifth grade, I took up the euphonium, which I’ve now been playing for 30 years. I’ve been a band director in public schools for 15 years and a Nen Daiko member for 17 years. During that time as both a student and teacher, there are many tips that I’ve picked up regarding practicing a musical instrument. Some I learned as a student, and some I’ve learned from fellow music teachers. One thing that I’ve realized is that the skills we learn as we practice music are applicable to achieving any goal. What goal are you hoping to achieve? You can apply these tips to any goal you might be working towards. Tip #1: Keep a Practice Log or Journal
For my elementary students, I have them complete weekly practice charts to track how many minutes they practiced. It is a simple tool that, combined with encouragement and guidance, can help motivate students to keep practicing at home. However, when I was in college I learned about using a practice log or journal. This goes beyond simply logging time, but also helps make practicing more effective. Part of the journal is to set a goal for each practice session, which helps focus your practicing much more effectively. The practice journal also helps with:
To achieve your goal, how could you keep a journal or sketchbook? *** Tip #2: Set Aside Focused Time and Space For my elementary school students, I ask them to practice 60 minutes per week. I encourage them not to do the whole hour all at once because their lips will fall off. (While this may not be the actual effect, I do explain that shorter pockets of time consistently is often more valuable than “binge practicing” once in awhile). I encourage families to create a dedicated practice area with the music stand set up. Students can put their instrument together when they get home and have it ready even if they don’t feel like practicing right away. A teacher once told me, “The hardest part of practicing is opening the instrument case.” Practicing 5-10 minutes per day may not sound like much, but it adds up. Also, if you tell yourself that you will practice for just five or 10 minutes, you might be more likely to do it than if you think it must be 30-45 minutes. To achieve your goal, how could you create a dedicated place and time? *** Tip #3: Break Goals Down into Little Steps to Practice Over and Over Learning to play an instrument involves many sub-tasks and challenges, so it is important to break it down and identify as many sub-tasks / challenges first, and then practice each step separately over and over. For example, they need to learn how it feels to use the amount of air that a wind instrument requires, or even something more basic, such as how to properly assemble the instrument. Once I establish the sub-task, I then tackle each one on its own. As my students learn the basics, I also try and work on developing their muscle memory through repetition. If they learn and internalize incorrect techniques in the beginning, they will face frustration later when they have to unlearn those items. My students often do not have the skill set to break up a larger task into smaller parts, so I break it down for them. It’s a great life skill to see a goal as a whole and figure out its components. In addition, understanding that you need to master smaller simpler tasks before being able to attempt putting them together will also help later in life. To achieve your goal, how could you break up a larger goal into something small and achievable? *** Tip #4: Use Motivational Tools For some people, seeing progress represented visually is motivating. At school, we use charts where the kids can earn a star or a “belt” (following the karate color scheme). I will also use stickers. Another example is something I picked up from a mentor, which is for my flute players. It is a grid consisting of combinations of two different notes. Kids demonstrate they can transition between two notes, which on the flute can be a challenge for young players. When the student demonstrates the skill, they color a grid with highlighters – and they like coloring. You might think colorful charts are for kids, but it can work for adults too. People are into coloring books these days – what about coloring goal charts on your fridge? My best motivational tool is knowing I have a performance coming up. So for adults, a motivational tool might be signing up for events where you have to perform your skill. To achieve your goal, how could you track your progress visually or set deadlines? *** Tip #5: Listen to the Pros I recommend that my students watch videos or live performances of professional musicians. Different players have different approaches to a piece. I encourage my students to get a feel for what they like and note it in their practice journal. It helps you develop preferences for your own performances. The more you listen to good players, you have that sound in your head. On social media or podcasts, you can follow professionals to see their videos or photos for inspiration. In taiko, it’s fun to research a piece like Omiyage, a composition that is played by many taiko groups. It is inspiring to see how each group interprets the piece. It helps us think about both what we like, and what we might do differently. (Keeping note in our journal or log, of course). To achieve your goal, where can you go to see or hear others, either for comparison or inspiration? *** Tip #6: Seek Guidance/Support My students see me once a week in a large class, so a private teacher is essential if they want to progress more quickly. Another way to progress is to find a group of like-minded people in an in-person or virtual group – such as Nen Daiko! I also learn from mentors who explain how they worked through the same challenges and act as a sounding board. Private teachers, groups, and mentors provide accountability. You tend to practice more before you see them next. To achieve your goal, who could you seek to act as a teacher, group, or mentor?  Photo: Don Smith
Every July, Ekoji Buddhist Temple hosts an Obon celebration. For Buddhists, Obon is a time to express gratitude to loved ones who have passed on before us. For Nen Daiko, Obon is an opportunity to give back to Ekoji.
Nen Daiko members always volunteer in a big way for Obon on the organizing committee or in many other capacities before and during the event. We were also fortunate to have members from our sister group, Soh Daiko, come to help, play, and celebrate with us. This year, Obon had special meaning for us because it was Dee Miyasato's last performance as a full-time Nen Daiko member, at least for now! After 14 years with Nen Daiko, she is moving back to Hawaii. Dee has been such a central figure in Nen Daiko's story - as a performer, mentor, and friend. 
Celebrating Dee - Photo: Don Smith
Thank you to all the volunteers who worked so hard to make Obon 2016 a successful event! And to our audience members who give such great energy every Obon performance! We look forward to seeing you again next July!
Thank you to Melvin and Hanae Coutrier for taking video of the songs Shiawase & Matsuri at Obon!
Photos of Nen Daiko at Obon
Thank you to Melvin Coutrier, Chuck Fletcher, Mike Gallan and Don Smith for their amazing volunteer photography!
 Fox Mill Elementary School in Herndon, Virginia, has a well-known Japanese immersion program. Nen Daiko gave a children’s workshop at their Japanese festival. Thank you to the festival organizers for inviting us and to all the families for coming to learn about taiko. Four Nen Daiko members facilitated the workshop – Brenda, Carla, Kevin and Chris.  Brenda was excited to facilitate because of her childhood memories of taiko. “When I was 7 years old, growing up in Hawaii, I saw my first taiko performance,” she said. “I knew right away that I wanted to learn how to play taiko. I did not have an opportunity to do it until I was 26 years old. These types of workshops are so important because I want other kids to have a dream to play taiko.” Carla was looking forward to the workshop as a way to make taiko a more impactful experience. “When Nen Daiko performs and we make it look easy, people may not have a real understanding of what goes into the drumming,” she said. “If an audience member can hold a bachi in their hands and try our stance, their appreciation of what we are doing will increase, and they move from passively watching to actively imagining themselves playing taiko.”  The workshop kicked off with Brenda and Kevin doing spontaneous solos with Chris playing chappa or cymbals. It was like a mini-taiko jazz moment. This attracted many families to come to the area of the school where we were performing. Brenda welcomed the audience in Japanese and tested their knowledge of Japanese words such as taiko, bachi and renshuu (drum, drumstick and practice). She showed the audience how we use certain words to represent the sounds of the taiko. For example, don means a direct hit in the center of the drum head, while kara means tapping the edge of the drum with the tip of the bachi.  Carla demonstrated how taiko players learn the rhythms of a taiko song – with kuchi showa, or spoken sounds. She taught the audience the first two lines of the song Renshuu, which is the song all new Nen Daiko apprentices learn in their first year. One audience member later told us, “I have seen taiko many times in my life but I never imagined that is how you learn the song – it was fascinating.” Chris taught the proper taiko stance – a low, grounded stance. He had everyone in the audience stand up and give it a try. The kids seems to hold the stance without complaint, but many adults were groaning. Kevin showed how when you play in this stance, it greatly increases the volume of the hits, and makes the performance more fun to watch.  After a quick performance of Renshuu, it was now time for the kids to warm up and have turns playing taiko. Kevin taught taiko to kids when he played with Daion Taiko in Orange County, California. He knew just how to keep the kids engaged as we did jumping jacks and stretches, counting to 10 in Japanese. Groups of children each had a turn playing the taiko. Some played on chu or medium-sized drums while others played gomidaiko or drums made from large rubber trash cans.  We finished the workshop with a special appearance from a new Nen Daiko member, Kevla or Carlin, who wore a double-wide happi coat. The audience was very kind to our newest member who has only had a few opportunities to practice, and who learned playing Renshuu one-handed with another person is much more difficult than you would expect. We also learned that while everyone may sweat when performing on stage, you sweat even more when inside a shared happi coat. The happi coat was sewn by Carla using recycled fabric scraps which came together in a very fun design. We hope Kevla or Carlin has other opportunities to capture the imaginations of kids and adults. It was a wonderful experience sharing taiko with these enthusiastic families. We hope there was a least one 7 year old who now has a dream to play taiko. Upcoming Interactive Taiko Experiences with Nen Daiko Experience family-friendly taiko activities at our annual Obon Festival on July 9 from 5-9pm at Ekoji Buddhist Temple. Nen Daiko will perform and there will be opportunities to learn more about taiko.
For adults, we have monthly open houses. Our next two are May 22 and July 26 at 2pm at Ekoji Buddhist Temple. You can do our weekly warm-up exercises and have an opportunity to play a taiko. Donations of $5 are appreciated. If you would like to experience taiko in a workshop setting, our annual workshops are held each September at the Ekoji Buddhist Temple. There are two workshops – one for children and one for adults. Follow Nen Daiko on Facebook for announcements about dates and times. Photos by Carl Brown (thanks Dad!) With four April performances completed, Nen Daiko is really enjoying spring. And we are super grateful because we have received so many amazing photos donated by very talented photographers. It means so much to us because we are all on stage so we can't take photos of ourselves! Besides making us laugh, they also give us ideas of things we can improve. So thank you so much amazing photographers! Photos by Bruce Guthrie, Smithsonian American Art Museum, April 9, 2016Photos by Sarah Gilbert from Soh Daiko, Sakura Taiko Fest, April 3, 2016Photos by Miyako Taiko, Sakura Taiko Fest, April 3, 2016Photos by Bruce Hollywood, Freedom Walk, April 2, 2016Thank you again to these wonderful photographers for sharing the images they took of our recent performances! It means so much to us!!
Nen Daiko is gearing up for an exciting performance season. We will be drumming at events around the Washington DC area almost every weekend in April. So grab your calendar and get ready for... Nen Daiko's April 2016 Handy-Dandy Performance Guide
So pull out your calendars and put all the performances on there! We would love to see your friendly faces in the crowd. No video can ever capture the feeling of live taiko!
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