Information and Expectations

Materials

The materials to be covered in the class include:

• History and philosophy of ensemble taiko (kumi-daiko) and of Triangle Taiko
• Practicing opening and closing greetings (aisatsu)
• Learning the names of different taiko drums and styles
• Learning taiko beats through verbalization (kuchishoga)
• Appropriate stance (kata) and hitting technique
• Developing the character of an ensemble player
• Work on form, listening techniques, and playing together 
• Work on memorization and skill by learning a taiko performance song

Attendance

We expect participants to be on time for each class as we cover a lot of material each week. We are required to keep attendance for the Raleigh Parks & Recreation program records, and we will also be making note of when individuals are late to class.

Attendance is mandatory for the first three weeks of class. If participants will miss or be late to any classes, please let us know beforehand by emailing nctriangletaiko@gmail.com.

Attire

Playing taiko involves a lot of body movement, not just our hands and arms. Therefore, we encourage participants to wear stretchable and breathable clothes, such as athletic wear.

Good footwear that allows you to have a stable hitting stance is important. Therefore, we do not encourage the use of sandals or other footwear where your feet may slide. Please ensure your footwear is clean and dry before you enter the practice space as we spend time on the floor and also do not want our equipment or stands to be wet or dirty.

If you have any mobility issues, please let us know beforehand. We have chairs available if participants need to sit during practice.

Lastly, while there are water fountains in the Community Center, we encourage participants to bring their own bottle for water or other hydrating fluids.

Code of Conduct

All participants are expected to read through and sign our Code of Conduct. We like for everyone who participates in Triangle Taiko classes to know our mission, core values, and expectations.

Invitation to Join the Triangle Taiko Community Group

All prospective members to the Triangle Taiko Community Group must successfully complete the Taiko Fundamentals course before an invitation may be extended to join the Community Group.

Interest in joining the Community Group class is not requirement to join the Taiko Fundamentals class. However, if participants are interested in joining the Community Group class, the Fundamental class leader and helpers will perform an evaluation of prospective Community Group members before an invitation is extended based on:

• Having the appropriate character of an ensemble player
• On-time weekly attendance at Fundamentals class
• Appropriate taiko hitting stance and form
• Memorization of drills and taiko pieces covered
• Skill level – playing on-beat with correct sticking (right/left hand hits)

Depending on the number of current active members in our Community Group, Triangle Taiko may add individuals who have completed the Taiko Fundamentals class to a wait-list for joining the Community Group. Individuals on the wait-list may be offered an invitation to join the Community Group once a currently active member steps down or lapses their membership.