a siesta from the weddings, taiko-style

taiko, meaning ‘drum’ in japanese, has been a part of my life for the past seven years. this is the first year that i traveled to the hawaiian islands to learn from one of the most famous and highly-respected taiko performance artists in north america. kenny endo has been drumming for pretty much all of his life. he was the first non-japanese national to receive a natori (a stage name and masters degree) in hogaku hayashi (classical drumming). in the hogaku world, kenny endo is known as mochizuki tajiro.

i am very fortunate to be able to call kenny endo my sensei (teacher). in the short five days that i had the privilege of learning from him, i discovered many things, some as basic as simple taiko rhythms to the passion that stems from the core of one’s being. once inflamed by the passion, it’s hard to snuff out the fire. i had the fortune to observe the practices of the kenny endo ensemble. they hold their rehearsal practices in an old chapel. due to the nature of the building, when a power failure occurs because of failed hardware, the ensemble has to drum in the dark because of the bureaucracy of red tape. practicing vigilantly since february 2009 with the light of handheld lanterns. this, i believe, is the ultimate show of passion for taiko.

the group discussing logistics of an upcoming show, behind drums.

scott taking notes by lamplight.

candice drumming on the odaiko (big drum) by lamplight.

kenny-sensei observing the rehearsal … by lamplight.

performing yodan by lamplight.

for more information on the kenny endo ensemble, you can click here.

~ by jeanieow on June 17, 2009.