RHYTHM SPIRIT 2022

We’re so glad you came to enjoy Rhythm Spirit 2022. It would help us tremendously if you took a moment to fill out this survey. Your answers will inform and improve our programming. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered into a drawing for a gift card from Roy's Station in San Jose Japantown!

PROGRAM NOTES

SAN JOSE JUNIOR TAIKO PERFORMING ENSEMBLE

The San Jose Junior Taiko program began in 1985 and is the oldest continually running children's taiko program in the country. The program consists of classes taught by members of San Jose Taiko's professional company who provide young players not only with instruction in taiko but also with opportunities for building creative expression, self-esteem, cultural awareness, and group cooperation. The Junior Taiko Performing Ensemble is the highest level class in the Junior Taiko Program and performs both with the professional adult company and on their own at festivals and local events.

Fuurin Kazan by Steve Yamaguma, 1975
This song is based on the images of the wind, forest, fire and mountains. Using polyrhythms and a driving base rhythm pattern, Fuurin Kazan takes you through the different images of nature.

Ki by Matt Ogawa, 2020
Ki is the Japanese word for energy and is one of San Jose Taiko’s Four Principles that guide the development of our taiko skills. Big movements and kinetic joy highlight the fun of playing taiko.

Commotion by Adam Weiner, 2009
During the creation process, movement naturally led into sequences, sequences flowed into fun, and fun blossomed into joy. Even though playing this song is guaranteed to cause a sweat, sharing the joy makes it all worthwhile!

Tai Ya Sa by Kagemusha Junior Taiko, 2010
This song was composed by Kagemusha Junior Taiko in Exeter, UK as an ode to San Jose Taiko's unique blend of movement, energy, and technique.

Aidan Beaver
Kailyn Beaver
Cassidy Hatch
Makena Hatch
Tomoki Noguchi
Taryn Takegami
Izzy Uyeda
Jolee Young

Not performing this evening:
James Hatch
Austin Eng
Noah Lee
Bradley Nakagawa
Izzy Shimahara

Stanford Taiko

The seeds for Stanford Taiko were planted in 1991 in a class taught by Susan Hayase, a former member of San Jose Taiko. The class inspired Ann Ishimaru ('93, A.M. '94) and Valerie Mih ('92) to apply for an Undergraduate Research Opportunity grant to research and build a taiko. Stanford Taiko took root in the winter of 1992 after Ishimaru, Mih, and fellow students completed the first drum and formed a taiko ensemble at Stanford University. 

Since that time, Stanford Taiko has grown to an ensemble of approximately 20 students with an all-original repertoire and the sponsorship of the Stanford Department of Music. The group performs regularly at major university events and has gained international recognition through its program of regular touring, which has taken Stanford Taiko to Japan, China, the UK, Thailand, Guatemala, and numerous destinations in the U.S.

Tales of A Balloon by Mitchell Fukumoto, 2012
A little red balloon floats blissfully away in the distance. Where did it come from, and who set it free? Tales of a Balloon, composed by Mitchell Fukumoto in 2012, recalls the whimsical and carefree nature of one's childhood. Awaken your inner child and relive those careless days once again. What tales would your balloon tell?

Amaterasu by Ann Ishimaru & Zach Semke, 1993
The sun goddess Amaterasu is the chief deity of Japanese Shinto, and stories of her divine influence inspired Ann Ishimaru and Zach Semke to compose this piece in 1993 for Stanford Taiko. The song depicts Amaterasu as she locks herself away in a cave, hiding her sunlight from the world, until she hears faint voices and the distant sound of drums pleading for her return. Emerging from the darkness, her light illuminates the world once again.

Tatsumaki by Hiroshi Tanaka, 1994
The power and grace of a whirlwind are transformed onstage through the energetic style and the movements of the players in Tatsumaki, the Japanese word for whirlwind. Since Hiroshi Tanaka composed Tatsumaki in 1994, this song has been passed on from year to year and has become a standard in our repertoire.

Vianna Vo
Kangrui Xue
Mayumi Kuze
Daphne Skiff
Thanh Tieu
Rachel Wang
DJ Maceda
Emily Huang
Jon Huster
Miggy Silva
Shinnosuke Yagi
Liam Ramos
Elena Atluri
Lyss Loyless
Vivian Shay

Not performing this evening:
Caroline Wang

San Jose Taiko

San Jose Taiko was founded in 1973 by young Asian Americans searching for an outlet to convey their experiences as third generation Japanese Americans. Looking to Japan for inspiration, they were drawn to the empowering sounds of the taiko, an instrument that embodies the spiritual essence and heartbeat of Japan.

Since then, San Jose Taiko has become a world-class ensemble, performing extensively both nationally and internationally. By studying with masters of other traditions and cultures, San Jose Taiko has broadened and embellished this historical art form into a distinct performance style that blends the traditional rhythms of Japanese drumming with the beat of world rhythms and is often described as “dancing with drums.” Known for synchronized choreography, eclectic musicality, and joyful spirit, San Jose Taiko performances and instruction are sought throughout the world by taiko fans and practitioners alike.

With a deep respect for cultural traditions, San Jose Taiko is dedicated to the advancement of taiko through innovative performances and outstanding educational programs, while maintaining strong ties with its San Jose Japantown community. Through taiko, we encourage cultural pluralism as a gateway to better communication, open-mindedness, and connection.

Opening by Roy Hirabayashi; arranged by Franco Imperial
Internally this piece was referred to as “RoyCore” and was named by performing members because it is typically played as an encore. The musical rearrangement and placement in the program changes it from a message of “good-bye” to “welcome back.”

SoreSamba by Franco Imperial, 2016
What happens when you combine festival music from Brazil and San Jose Japantown? SoreSamba explores the feelings and connections of music shared in streets of a neighborhood community. Special thanks to Dan Sabanovich for his instruction and guidance with the many styles of samba.

NanaShi by Roy Hirabayashi, 1992; arranged by Stew Kume
The name of this piece is derived from Japanese words and has two meanings: 7/4 (nana is seven and shi is four), and nameless. This piece is composed of a series of interlocking rhythms that challenge the drummers in timing and skill.

RumbaKo by Janet Koike and Toni Yagami, 1993
Cuba and Japan are two very different island cultures, each with its own distinct drumming history. These countries are the inspiration for RumbaKo, which includes rhythms and instruments from both cultures.

Golden Sky by Geoff Noone, 2019
This piece was inspired by the sounds of the taiko carrying through a bright, summer sky and hopes to evoke the feeling of being at Obon, celebrating with loved ones. YNWA

Wagamama by Yurika Chiba, 2016
Wagamama is usually translated as “wilful or naughty child.”  This song plays on the composer’s confusion growing up Japanese Canadian, as to when to blend in or disappear and when to stand out. Other themes addressed are formality/informality and honne/tatemae (honesty/facade). Special thanks to Kelli Wing, Craig Wong, and Byron Yamanaka, who contributed childhood secrets for the formulation of rhythmic patterns in the piece.

Weave by Geoff Noone, 2019
Through taiko, we bring together our personal stories and experiences as we weave together the sounds of different instruments to create a tapestry of sound. There are no leaders or followers, just different voices that need to be heard.

Free Spirit by Roy Hirabayashi, 1983
This piece features four pairs of drummers playing together, against each other, and as soloists.  A simple base rhythm moves the piece through variations of the main theme as interpreted by the individual players.

Gendai ni Ikiru by Gary Tsujimoto, 1978
Gendai ni Ikiru, or “living in the present,” reflects the blending of traditional and modern rhythms to create a sound that combines a simple taiko beat with the rhythms of jazz.

Yurika Chiba
Mitchell Fukumoto
Franco Imperial
Zach Isaac
Yuzu Kubota
Stewart Kume
Kristine Lee
Warren Macdonald
Geoff Noone
Matthew Ogawa
Vicky Phan
Kazu Shirai
Byron Yamanaka
Meghan Chen, apprentice
Wisa Uemura, MC

Not performing:
Alex Hudson
Katy Itani, apprentice
Alix Koyama
Meg Suzuki Hudson
Kelli Wing

Merchandise

“Taiko Tako” T-shirt by Sumofish Design

“More Taiko!” T-shirt

“That 70’s Tee”

Unisex & Women’s Sizes - $25
Youth Sizes - $15 (limited designs available)

San Jose Taiko MegaMix DVD: 45th Anniversary Concert - $20

San Jose Taiko merchandise can also be purchased online at taiko.org/shop

CREDITS

SAN JOSE TAIKO STAFF

Wisa Uemura, Executive Director  
Franco Imperial,  Artistic Director
Yurika Chiba,  Artistic Staff
Geoff Noone,  Artistic Staff
Meg Suzuki Hudson, Outreach Coordinator
Rome Hamner, General Manager

SJT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jeremy Nishihara, Chair
Lynda Won-Chung, Vice Chair
Mari Ormiston, Secretary
Dan Sueyoshi,  Treasurer
Ryan Komagome
Dane So
Atul Trivedi
Marie Yoshidome

HONORARY MEMBERS

Roy Hirabayashi,  Co-Founder
PJ Hirabayashi,  Artistic Director Emeritus
Rina Chang, Associate Member
Syl King,  Associate Member
Trish Kume,  Associate Member
Britt Mattern,  Associate Member
Pam Murotsune,  Associate Member
Rylan Sekiguchi,  Associate Member
Pear Urushima,  Associate Member
Allison Wong,  Associate Member

SJT CONTRIBUTORS INCLUDE 

Applied Materials 
California Arts Council
The City of San Jose - Office of Cultural Affairs
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
Saratoga Rotary Charitable Foundation
The Leo M. Shortino Foundation
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Silicon Valley Creates

And generous friends like you

SPECIAL THANKS TO

The Community Engagement, Facilities, and Production teams of the School of Arts & Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza

Bill & Jean Uemura

CONCERT VOLUNTEERS

Weiju Chen
Susan Chin
Lynn Chuu
Ed Cohen
Dean Endo
PJ Hirabayashi
Roy Hirabayashi
Hiromi Inaba
Seila Kheang
Trish Kume
Garrett Kuramoto
Leslie Masunaga
Craig Murotsune
Pam Murotsune
Gina Nishihara
Phoenix Paz
Emma Valentine
Braden Wong
Arthur Woo
Tina Woo

PHOTOGRAPHY 

Mark Shigenaga

San Jose Taiko

565 N 5th Street 
San Jose, CA 95112
408-293-9344 phone
408-293-9366 fax
info@taiko.org
www.taiko.org 
@sanjosetaiko