Kickstarter

Who are we?

We are en Taiko, an elementary school Japanese drum ensemble from Portland, Oregon. Our members range from kindergarten through fifth grade students from the Japanese immersion program at Richmond Elementary School. We are one of the very few elementary-school taiko-drumming troupes in the country. 

The “en” in en Taiko is probably best translated as “happenstance,” as in the lucky bits of circumstance that bring people together. Even in ancient Japan, taiko drums were not merely musical instruments. Taiko played a vital role in strengthening community, whether in the schools, temples, or throughout the townships. And today, en Taiko aspires to continue that tradition of fostering community. 

The en Taiko ensemble is a youthful, high-energy experience that strengthens individuality and creativity within the interplay of a group dynamic. The group performs at cultural events and music festivals throughout Portland. 

Why do we need a bigger drum?

Started in 2007, en Taiko played and practiced on old garbage cans. Today we have several types of traditional handcrafted drums from Japan, including both shime taiko and chu taiko (small and medium drums). What we need now is a LARGE taiko to add complexity to our sound and to take our performance to the next level. 

High-quality Japanese taiko are hard to come by in the United States. However, Kato Taiko out of California has an excellent reputation for crafting first-class taiko drums and the unique stands they require. Mr. Toshi Kato has taken the traditional style of drum-making and added his own personal twist to stretching and tightening the drum skins, always with the goal of improving the taikos' sound quality. We are very fortunate to have such a craftsman nearby.

With the hirado taiko, we will be able to add a truly deep and powerful dynamic to our sound by creating the full resonance necessary for a more orchestral-like performance. We will be able to perform more complex songs and arrangements and tell a wider variety of stories through music. 

Imagine a drum that is large enough for 10 children to stand around and play! Imagine how BIG that sound would be!

What is next for us?

At first, en Taiko began as a means of teaching kids at schools, where music class was no longer offered. Drastic public school budget cuts continue to deprive students of the demonstrated benefits of formal music education. The practice and performances by en Taiko help fill this gap, by providing students with discipline, camaraderie, listening skills, and musicality–all essential components of Japanese taiko. 

Over the years, the quality of taiko has been getting better and better. The en Taiko students are ready for increased responsibility and more challenging songs. As a performance group, we plan to expand our repetoir and grow our membership. 

Finally, en Taiko has a mission. We strive to make the performance one that affects not only the performers, but also our audience. Listen to an en Taiko performance, and you can feel it resonate through the hall. Stand close enough and feel the vibration wash against you. When you talk about the en Taiko performance it begins its ripple effect throughout the community. Can you hear it now? Don Doko Don!

About Rewards:

For pledge $75 or more:
Limited edition Samurai Beat t-shirt celebrating our 2012 spring concert!
It is a medium weight cotton shirt, and looks like this. Very Comfy!