Taiko Weekend Intensive (TWI)

Are you a taiko player with at least two years of experience seeking advanced instruction? Join fellow taiko enthusiasts from around the world at our annual Taiko Weekend Intensive (TWI) workshop series, led by SJT Artistic Staff and designed to enhance your abilities as a performer and member of the taiko community. Past participants have come across the US and from such far-away places as Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and England. 

For the first time, we are offering three different TWIs in a nine-day period. Sign up for one, two, or all three!

ORIGINAL: March 3 - 5 (Sat-Mon)

This TWI will focus on betta (down stand) technique, improvisation, composition, and movement. Explore ideas for repertoire development to share with your taiko communities. Fee: $350.

TAIKOPEACE - Becoming a Holistic Taiko Player: March 6 - 7 (Tues - Wed)

Join SJT's Artistic Director Emeritus and NEA National Heritage Fellow, PJ Hirabayashi, for a two-day workshop that will include elements of taiko, butoh, chanting, community-building, and more. Develop a sense of awareness and intention in your role as a taiko practitioner. Fee: $250.

NANAME BOOTCAMP: March 9 - 11 (Fri - Sun)

Explore the fundamentals of SJT naname (slant stand) style. Learn challenging drills to improve your technique, stamina exercises to sharpen your soloing skills, and discover ways to use movement effectively and ergonomically. Fee: $350.

TWI Discounts & Incentives:
Register for more than one TWI and receive a discount!
Original + TaikoPeace = $540 (regularly $600)
TaikoPeace + Naname = $540 (regularly $600)
Original + Naname = $630 (regularly $700)
All three = $760 (regularly $950)

Fees include instruction, most meals, and transportation to/from the Holiday Inn/SJT studio.

SJT Artistic Staff will also be making private instruction available to registered participants on Thursday, March 8. Contact twi@taiko.org for pricing and scheduling details. 

Location:
San Jose Taiko Studio

Requirements:
Applicants must have at least two years of taiko-playing experience. Preference will be given to applicants who are currently performing members of existing taiko groups. 

You must be present at all activities in order to participate in the TWI. Please do not apply if you think you will miss any portion of your selected TWI(s), including arriving late or leaving early for any activity.

To Register:
Email twi@taiko.org or call the SJT office at (408) 293-9344.

 

Here's what past participants have said:

"I believe you have found an effective formula for sharing not only the SJT philosophy and drumming style with others in the taiko family, but sharing the true spirit of the drums by your example and your love for the art form." - Bill W.

"Taiko Weekend Intensive: Shime & Percussion Boot Camp was my 3rd TWI experience with San Jose Taiko. It is always a pleasure to meet the friendly, dynamic and welcoming members of San Jose Taiko. Instructions are so great and there is a very good mixed of taiko and percussion playing as well as different kind of exercises which bring a lot to the way of playing and performing together as a group... Is is also a great opportunity to meet other taiko players and a real pleasure to see them again in other TWIs." - Veronique N.  

"Serious taiko in joyful company." - Tiffany R.

"The workshop was the best three days of taiko I have ever experienced." - Scott M.

Please contact twi@taiko.org with any further questions.