Newsletter #14 - Spring 2006
Inudoshi
(woof, woof... wan, wan)
The beginning of every new year can bring changes, and 2006 marks a change for "Perfect Harmony" our taiko store. For the past several years we were in a partnership with Kawada Taiko. However, they have decided to discontinue marketing efforts in the US. As a result, we are looking at several new business opportunities in order to continue to supply our customers with taiko tacks, handles, bachi and other accessories.
At the moment we limited to sales of stock on hand. If you are looking for something please email us about the availability. We are also in the process of starting our own line of taiko bachi - everything from Odaiko bachi to shimedaiko bachi. Please be patient while we work through this transition. New product announcements will be made on our "Newletter" (this page) in the coming weeks. Please check back here for updates, thanks!
On the calendar for 2006 is another "Taiko Making Workshop" to be held at our new studio on Saturday June 3, 2006. The workshop will be a 1-day event, open to the public, with some hands-on activities, tips & tricks, and a roundtable discussion on taiko-making. If you're interested, and would like more information, please feel free to email us (tatsumaki@email.com) about the workshop. See our announcement below (on this page) for more details.
In 2005, we held 5 sessions of our popular "Intro to Taiko" class.
"Intro to Taiko" is a 6-week beginner's course designed to get people started
playing taiko. We are planning as many as 5 sessions again in 2006. If you are interested in
learning taiko, check our Calendar Page
for information about the "Intro" class schedule and how to sign-up for class. No experience is
necessary, and we provide all the equipment.
Taiko players, if you happen to be on the Big Island, you might want to try dropping by "Volcano Percussion" and check the taiko that Tom Alexander is making. Tom is using exotic woods from the Hawaiian Islands to make one of a kind taiko that are truly works of art. See his web site for more information:
We are planning our 3rd taiko-making workshop in 2006. The workshop will be held at our studio - 725 Gilman Street, Berkeley, California. The date is Saturday, June 3, 2006 and the scheduled time is 11am to 5pm. The cost will be $50 per person in advance, $60 per person the day of the workshop. The workshop is open to the public. Please check the "Newletter" page or our Calendar Page for updates on the workshop schedule.
Joe Bowes leading the skinning demonstration at our 2004 taiko-making workshop
The workshop will cover these topics:
- making the body from a wine barrel
- gluing techniques
- biscuit joints and other options for reinforcement
- sizes, and styles of taiko
- installing handles (kan)
- options on finishing the wood
- the problems in selecting a skin
- skinning preparations
- constructing a skinning rig
- tips on getting better results when skinning your taiko
- a “round table” discussion of any taiko participants have made
We will provide some printed materials on the subjects discussed. Participants will do several “hands on” exercises, such as gluing a body, and using a biscuit joiner. We will also do a skinning demonstration. Participants are encouraged to bring in taiko that they have made, or are about to make, so the group can discuss the construction of each taiko.
Please contact Tatsumaki Taiko (tatsumaki@email.com) for registration, and to be put on the email list for the workshop.
Here are some pictures from the 2005 workshop. As you can see everyone had their hands full throughout the workshop - either gluing a barrel, making the "mimi" on a taiko skin, or cranking up the tension on the hides we stretched. And of course we are looking forward to doing it again this year.
I would also like to pass on some acknowledgments, because putting together our taiko-making workshop would not be possible without the help of many of our friends & family. Thank you Joe Bowes, Norma, Corinne, Nelson (for that duct tape trick!), Will and Dana for all your help and hard work! Arigatou gozaimasu.
Mail your "DIY" taiko photos to us:
Tatsumaki Taiko's Studio - 725 Gilman St. (studio "D"), Berkeley, California
Tatsumaki Taiko teaches weekly taiko
classes at our studio located at 725 Gilman Street (near 4th St.), in Berkeley. Our classes
meet on Sundays, we have open practice on Tuesdays nights (7pm to 9pm). The performing group also
rehearses on Thursday nights (7pm to 9pm)
Sunday Schedule:
10am to 11:30am - beginner's class
11:30am to 1:30pm - performing group
1:30pm to 3:00pm - intermediate class
3:00pm to 4:30pm - "Intro to Taiko" and special workshops
For more information about our class schedule and fees, please email us (tatsumaki@email.com), or
call (510) 548-3508. Information about our class schedule can also be found on
our Calendar
Page.
Please check our Calendar Page for
information about Tatsumaki Taiko's
performance schedule. If you would like further information, or would like to
schedule a performance, please contact us:
E-mail: tatsumaki@email.com
Phone: (510) 548-3508 (ask for Phil Pickering).
That's all the news that fits for Newsletter #14. As always, feel free to send us your questions and comments.
Email address for Tatsumaki Taiko - taiko
classes and performances: tatsumaki@email.com.
Email
address for Perfect Harmony - our taiko
import company: taikousa@lmi.net
Served Here!
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3/7/2006 by akudo3