March 18, 2012
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1st Time Taiko
1st Time Taiko
Drumming
Yesterday I had another first. Live is a series of #experiences. I have some freedom to choose some of those experiences. Each person is limited by factors like health, wealth, relationships and access to resources to what they can experience. Experiencing something new is possibly one of the best ways of enriching our lives. Is there anything more rewarding than experiencing something new in life?
I went to a #Taiko #drumming workshop with my daughter. A friend of mine who is very involved invited me. I had done some drumming before but I had no clue what Taiko is. What a wonderful surprise!! Taiko drums are large drums beaten with banshees. We had to sit through a talk on the different types of drums and styles...which made little sense to the uninitiated. But a bit of theory never hurt to create a folder within which to store experience. We did some warm up exercises since Taiko drumming takes a bit of energy. The exercises were not staineous however, and nothing more than what I will do for a warm up before Tai Chi. The Taiko drums have a rich history and found itself into temples and deeply connected with culture. Apparently it originated in China and was then brought over to Japan. The current school in South-Africa is the only of its class.
That very first hit of the drum was almost like entering into the sacred space of a new experience. The vibration pulsates not just through air but also brings the spirit or nature of the drum in direct contact with the drummer. We learned the stance of a Taiko drummer which showed why it is more than just beating the drum at a particular rhythm. We were exposed to various beginners rhythms and I was surprised at both the simplicity and complexity of Taiko drumming. The key is keeping count to know when a rhythm will change. The rhythm of drums always fascinated me and now standing there hitting the drums myself was truly as if a new connection was established between myself and the web of life.
I went home very satisfied. The experience spoke to my soul and restored a new vibration into my life. I felt a new wave of energy to explore life itself.
I am still contemplating whether I must try to take on such an activity. I am very tempted but time and cost are both preventing me from making an outright commitment. I have no doubt that such an activity will enrich my life...I will contemplate further and then decide. For now it is sufficient to just enjoy the pleasure of having done something totally new in my life.
Comments (8)
So very cool! You're so right about trying new things and how the experience can only enrich our lives. I'm glad you had a chance to experience the drums, and to share that with us.
I can see you now, my brother. Getting up every morning and beating on your own Taiko drum. For sure it will add harmony to your inner self, but who knows how the rest of your family might feel about having a Taiko drum as an alarm clock.
A set of taiko drummers in full action is sort of overwhelming, isn't it?
As a one-time drummer, I've long had an interest in percussion music. An acquaintance of mine, Joe Donato, introduced me to the various wonders and when my wife and I spent some time in Indonesia, I discovered Gamalan - probably the most advanced of all percussive music. If you don't already know about this musical form, I suggest you check it out
@songoftheheart - Have you done some drumming?
@catstemplar2 - I will wake the whole neighbourhood...could be community service every morning
@tychecat - Gamalan? I do not know it but will look into it...your advice is always good. Thank you
@Zeal4living - I have never done any drumming. I don't know that I possess any sense of rhythm that would enable me to enjoy it! The picture looks very inviting, though...so much can be poured out into an instrument, and then to have what you create flow back into you is just awesome.
Awesome!!! Drumming is just incredible! I am not pro but I do like to drum, well, haven't had the opportunity to do so in that kind of drum set but still!
@xOne_twentyX - Awesome comment!! Thank you
Oh I would sooo love this! If you do it again, you should try to record some of the sounds