太鼓 Taiko - Great Drum

Japanese Taiko Drumming is an ancient Japanese art form that has found new vitality and relevance in modern day America. It is traditionally played in thousands of small communities and villages throughout Japan. Originally used for religious ceremonies, the power of the drums lent themselves to use during times of war and festivals. Today Taiko is played at festivals, concert halls and always in celebration of the human spirit. Taiko has the capacity to encourage cooperation and teamwork, and is an ideal platform to experience the joy of making music.

Taiko with Eileen Morgan provides children and

adults of all ages the opportunity to:

* Make powerful music within the first class.
* Learn and demonstrate the importance of cooperation           and teamwork.

* Compare and contrast the cultures of Japan

     and the United States; their similarities and differences

     and their relationship with one another throughout history.
* Learn, produce and use the advanced musical concepts of beat, rhythm, fractions, patterns and synchronization.
* Become increasingly aware of the power and abilities of one's own body to produce specific and intricate
     movements and musical rhythms.
* Explore the history and significance of Taiko, and the arts in general and how the arts affect a person's
     outlook on life, perception of self and their culture.