SVDSN Fall Taiko Classes

5 Sundays from 2-3pm: September 19-October 17, 2021

Starting on Sunday, September 19, SVDSN will be holding weekly taiko classes for vaccinated self advocates, ages 12 and up. Following a successful pilot during the summer of inclusive, outdoor taiko workshops, our OT instructor, Sydney Shiroyama, will lead a series of 5 classes for SVDSN.

Taiko, Japanese drumming, is a traditional performance art with ancient roots in Buddhist tradition and Japanese culture. Taiko is used in many festivals in Japan and the sound of taiko evokes excitement and a celebratory atmosphere. Over the years, taiko has become increasingly popular internationally with many school and college-based taiko groups forming across the country. Taiko is an art form that lends itself to inclusivity and unity-- it gives everyone a voice and the opportunity to be heard. SVDSN is excited to be partnering with TaikoPeace, the Mountain View Buddhist Temple, and Sydney Shiroyama to bring taiko to our families. 

In this series of 5 classes, Sydney will be working with self advocates, teaching them the foundations and fundamentals of taiko playing and performance. The class will begin with students studying "Renshu," a standard taiko piece that many taiko novices learn to familiarize them with common drumming patterns and rhythms that are foundational to many taiko compositions. 

Because the classes are sequential and will build on the material and techniques learned the previous session, we ask that the self advocate attend all 5 classes. (Exceptions may be made if 1 of the 5 classes needs to be missed. Please let us know when you register.) 

We will be working toward building a repertoire of pieces that can be performed as a group and having performance opportunities for the group. Additional details will be forthcoming. 

SVDSN will follow the same protocols developed during the summer inclusive workshops to keep our community safe: 

• The instruction team and any volunteers are fully vaccinated and will wear masks. 
• All participants are fully vaccinated and will wear a mask. (If the self advocate is unable to wear a mask, please let us know as accommodations can be made.) 
• Drums will be socially distanced. 
• Classes will be held outdoors. 
• No food or drink is permitted during class. 
• A fully-vaccinated adult must attend with the self advocate and stay on the premises while class is in session. 
• A health check will be conducted before each class. 

We will continue to monitor state and county guidelines throughout the class series and adjust as needed. Thank you for your understanding as we work to keep our community safe! 

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, but we hope to see you at taiko this fall! 

Dates: Sundays, September 19-October 17, 2021

Time: 2-3pm PT

Location: Mountain View Buddhist Temple (outdoors)

Cost: $20/class for SVDSN members* ($100 for 5 classes); $40/class for non-SVDSN members ($200 for 5 classes) 

*Note: scholarships are available to SVDSN families; signing up to join SVDSN is free! Please email svdsnprograms@gmail.com with your request.