No drumming experience is required. We welcome anyone who likes group activity and is interested in playing taiko drums as an ensemble. Taiko drumming also is more than just hitting a drum and keeping a beat; it’s a lot of hard physical work, so wear comfortable clothes and bring some water.
When joining Triangle Taiko, you will also need to become a member of the Nippon Club of the Triangle. Registration is free and can be done at this page
Triangle Taiko Sessions and Classes
Triangle Taiko currently offers two classes, our Community Class and our Taiko Fundamentals Courses.
Participation in our Community Class is by invitation only and requires successful completion of our Taiko Fundamentals Course.
Our sister group, Special Taiko, also offers taiko classes for special needs adults.
Click on the class you’re interested to learn more.
Age Requirement: 18 or older for all groups
TAIKO FUNDAMENTALS
Interested in learning how to play Japanese drums? We have a course aimed for newcomers!
We will be offering a 12 week course (with dates depending on trimester) to learn about the history and philosophy of ensemble taiko , or kumidaiko, learn taiko beats through verbalization, kuchishoga, basic and appropriate form with hitting technique, kata , and develop the character of an ensemble player!
Participants will learn a variety of taiko drills as well as a full taiko song by the end of the session. This course is necessary before an invitation may be extended to join our Community Class.
Please check this page for additional information and registration regarding current class Information.
Time: 1 hour from 1:45 – 2:45PM per session on Saturdays.
Location: Carolina Pines Community Center, Large Recreation Room – 2305 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603
Cost: $35 for 12-week session, includes a pair of drumsticks (bachi)
COMMUNITY CLASS
Our Community Class focuses on continued improvement with different taiko forms including stance and drumming technique. Community Class members also have opportunities to perform depending on skill, memorization of taiko songs, and consistent attendance.
Our Community Class focuses on learning/working on at least one taiko song each trimester.
Trimester Schedule:
Trimester 1: January – April
Trimester 2: May – August
Trimester 3: September – December
Time: 11:05AM – 1:30PM on Saturdays
Location: Carolina Pines Community Center, Large Recreation Room – 2305 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603
Cost: $60 per year
SPECIAL TAIKO
Special Taiko, our sister group, is a joint program with the Raleigh Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department’s Specialized Recreation & Inclusion Services and is open to special needs adults. The class meets weekly.
Time: 10:00– 11:00AM on Saturdays
Location: Carolina Pines Community Center, Large Recreation Room – 2305 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603
Cost: No cost for participants
If you are interested in joining, please email:
y.iwashima@hotmail.com
New Members General Guideline
1. You are expected to attend all practices, both for your benefit and for other Taiko members. That being said, it is also understood that you occasionally might not be able to attend practice. Each of us has other responsibilities besides taiko and sometimes these responsibilities conflict, and a decision must be made on which has priority.
If you are not going to attend a practice, please notify your group leader as far in advance as possible.
2. There is an annual membership fee of $60 due at the first of the year for continuing membership.
3. In terms of bachi (drum sticks), all new members are provided with one pair of regular bachi and one pair of shime bachi when you become a member . As you learn more songs, you may want some different types of bachi and purchase different kinds from our inventory.
4. Practices can be quite strenuous. Please wear clothes that you can get sweaty and can move freely in. Jeans are not encouraged. In Japanese customs and traditions, you can not allowed to shoes while in practice, if your feet get cold, you are welcome to wear non-slip socks or purchase some tabi, traditional Japanese work shoes. Most members have a pair of tabi for performances.
This should be all the information you need to get started. We’re thrilled that you’ve decided to be a part of our Taiko group, and we look forward to play with you in the future! Please let us know if you have any questions, issues, or concerns whenever you have them, and if there is any accommodation that you need, let us know, and we will work it out with you!