return of the dragon

Ryo Shimamoto (taiko performer, composer, and bearer of the name that translates into "dragon") has returned to Fairfax Station, VA for his third workshop tour with Mark H. Rooney.  

This time around, Ryo helped the group tighten up our stance and technique for one of his flagship songs, Rouga (literally "wolf fang", whose theme intensely centers about a hunt).  A new "ji" bass rhythm has also been added -- see if you can spot it the next time we play.

While October is typically characterized by easing back into taiko, the workshop -- through a mix of sustained low stances, repetition, and an embodiment of the wolf pack spirit -- has successfully catapulted the group back into the full swing of things.  Hello, 2014-2015 season!

We look forward to seeing you all this year!  -- Brig