Come Join Teien No Taiko!

We would like to introduce “Drums of the Garden”, Anderson Japanese Gardens’ very own Taiko Drum Group. Join us every Wednesday from 4 pm – 6 pm to learn about the history and cultural impact of the Taiko drums, and of course how to play them!

Taiko is an inclusive, welcoming, and generous community and we would like to see our group displaying those values. Taiko can be played by anyone who wants to put the effort into it.

Register by month and attend as many or as few times in that month as you would like. All registration funds will help further build the group and create opportunities for master instructors to come and teach, for new supplies to be purchased, and help prepare the group for performance opportunities around the community. We can also take a payment (cash only) in person at the time of the class.

No previous drum experience is necessary and all ages are welcome!

What is Taiko?

Taiko (太鼓) are a broad range of Japanese percussion instruments. In Japanese, the term taiko refers to any kind of drum, but outside Japan, it is used specifically to refer to any of the various Japanese drums called wadaiko (和太鼓, lit. “Japanese drums”) and to the form of ensemble taiko drumming more specifically called kumi-daiko (組太鼓, lit. “set of drums”). The process of constructing taiko varies between manufacturers, and the preparation of both the drum body and skin can take several years depending on the method.

Taiko have a mythological origin in Japanese folklore, but historical records suggest that taiko were introduced to Japan through Chinese and Korean cultural influence as early as the 6th century CE; pottery from the Haniwa period depicting taiko drums has also been found. Some taiko are similar to instruments originating from India. Archaeological evidence also supports the view that taiko were present in Japan during the 6th century in the Kofun period. Their function has varied throughout history, ranging from communication, military action, theatrical accompaniment, religious ceremony and concert performances. In modern times, taiko have also played a central role in social movements for minorities both within and outside Japan.

Every Wednesday | 4:00pm – 6:00pm | Visitors Center Gallery

Cost: $8 Members | $12 Non-Members | Per month. Attend as many or as few dates per month as you wish.

Questions about financial assistance – please email Linda Bergstrom – at lbergstrom394@gmail.com