Taiko no Wa Photo: Steve Moore

TAIKO NO WA

Taiko no Wa is a taiko group whose members are drawn from class members of the TaikOz school. The ensemble comes together once a week (Sundays 4-6 pm) at the TaikOz Dojo to beat the taiko, blow the shinobue, sing songs and above all, enjoy each other's company. Through Taiko no Wa people of all ages and walks of life can have the opportunity to express themselves in playing music together and, when the opportunity arises, bring the power and beauty of wadaiko to the wider public through performances at fêtes, community festivals and the like.

After successfully auditioning for the 2011 Tokyo International Wadaiko Contest, Taiko no Wa was invited to participate as a finalist on the stage of Tokyo's Aoyama Theatre August 28. The ensemble subsequently took out first place. Taiko no Wa returned to Tokyo on August 19, 2012 to perform in a concert featuring the previous 10 winners of the Tokyo International Wadaiko Contest.

To join Taiko no Wa you must regularly attend at least one weekly TaikOz Intermediate Class and have a minimum of 12 months taiko playing experience. If you would like to join Taiko no Wa for 2012 membership ($66) please:

 

REGISTER ONLINE  CLICK HERE

PROFILE

The name Taiko no Wa translates as "circle of taiko", which alludes to the circular form which emerges frequently both in the imagery and symbols of Wadaiko, as well as in the graceful movements of the players. The taiko circle also represents the ensemble itself. Though the members of the group span a wide spectrum of ages, backgrounds and personalities, they come together to explore the many facets of taiko and have fun making music as a group. The circle image also serves as a reminder of the constant cycle of learning that is fundamental to the practice of Wadaiko.

Members of the group have performed at the 2011 Tokyo International Wadaiko Contest, the Gold Coast Japanese Society's Japan and Friends Day, Australian Karate Championships, the Willoughby Council Japanese Cultural Festival, the Sydney Japanese School annual matsuri and at the anniversary celebration of the Shoyoen Sister City Gardens in Dubbo.

TaikOz supports Taiko no Wa by offering tuition for performances and allowing use of their wonderful range of instruments. TaikOz is delighted by the increasing popularity of Taiko no Wa - they are a very important contributor to TaikOz's aim to raise the profile of the beautiful art of Wadaiko in all corners of Australia.