SVDSN Inclusive Outdoor Taiko Class with Sydney

on Saturday, July 24 @ 10:30am PT

No previous taiko drumming experience needed.

Come and enjoy playing drums with Sydney! SVDSN has enjoyed collaborating with pediatric OT, Sydney Shiroyama, since she adapted San Jose's Taiko classes for SVDSN in 2019. Taiko drumming is exercise and music rolled into one, allowing for individual and collaborative expression through whole-body movement. Many movements in taiko naturally require the student to employ principals that enhance gross and fine motor development, social cues, and executive function in a fun, accessible method. Sydney has experience working with children and teens with Down syndrome and other developmental conditions through her work as a pediatric OT with the Early Start program, an OT at In-Gym, and her work as a consultant with San Jose Taiko and Mountain View High School where she spent the 2020-2021 school year teaching taiko via Zoom! 

We will provide the equipment (taiko drum and bachi, drum sticks) to use during the class. One pair of bachi will be given to the self advocate to take home. Additional pairs may be purchased from the instructor.

Participants: Self advocates (individual with Down syndrome), ages 12 and up.*

Siblings and parents may participate with the self advocate, but they must share the same drum, taking turns or drumming together. One family or household per drum, up to 3 participants per drum. Participants should wear comfortable clothing that allows for movement. Because the class is outdoors, please apply sunscreen before class and bring a water bottle for each attendee.

Instructor: Sydney Shiroyama (pediatric OT, taiko performer)

Assistant Instructor: Gabriel S. (SVDSN self advocate, experienced taiko drumming learner)

Assistant Volunteers: 2 high school volunteers who are experienced with playing taiko

All instructors and volunteers are fully vaccinated.

Should you have any questions, please e-mail to svdsnprograms@gmail.com.

*Participants who are not vaccinated will be requested to wear masks. Drums will be placed at least 6 feet apart. We will refer to Santa Clara County health guidelines that are in place at the time of the class but may choose to be more stringent than the current county guidelines to keep our population safe. If you or any of your family members are exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms within 14 days of the class, please let us know. Keeping our community safe is top of mind!