Contact:
Kita No Taiko
3046 - 108 St.
Edmonton, AB
Canada
T6J 3S6
(780) 431-0300

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December 2008 Newsletter

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The past year has been a varied and exciting one for KNT.

In this, our yearly newsletter, we tell you about the things we have done, places we have been and experiences along the way. The content is often light hearted and fun. We hope that as you read this newsletter, you can get a sense that as a group, we are close.

We will give you brief glimpses of the Vancouver Regional Taiko Gathering and our trip to Japan!

Oh, and we are still working on our CD. Still. Really. And that’s all we’re going to say on that subject.

Memorable Performances

• Kurimoto Garden Spring Festival – June 8, 08
  This event at the Japanese garden near Devon is a favourite annual event for Kita No Taiko. We love the beautiful setting, great audiences, and watching the other performers. Since the weather this year was looking less than ideal, the wonderful garden staff erected a large “tent” without sides. The tent was for the performers; the audience had to fend for themselves (but they knew how to dress for the fickle Alberta weather). Other performers included various Japanese groups such as odori, karate, and Noble House Kenjutsu. It is always entertaining to watch these talented people. We were honoured to play for the attending Consulate General of Japan.
  
  
• Capital Ex – July 20, 08
  This year the group was featured in the “Asia” section of Capital Ex’s entertainment. We played 3 shows for enthusiastic crowds at the Agricom. By the end of the day, though, we were all pretty tired, especially Carley who was pulling double-duty by performing with KNT and also doing an aerial circus act as part of Firefly Theatre!
  

• Sapporo Draft Beer Launch – June 26, 08
  KNT is always open to trying both new venues and show ideas. This year we went to Stir lounge for the party premiering Sapporo’s new draft beer (note: they are not paying us to advertise this). It was an enjoyable evening because not only did we get to play, but we also got to sample sushi, yakitori, and of course, beer! The best part of the evening was Stir’s funky dance floor that lit up and changed patterns when we stepped (or danced) on it.
  Very cool.
  Some members became so mesmerized they almost missed their cues! Not so cool.
  

• Edmonton Japanese Community AGM and Redress Celebration – Sept 27, 08
  It has been 20 years since the redress settlement for the Japanese internment during WWII. Our local Japanese Community event featured speakers who went through the interment, and a few who came after that period but were affected by it because their families had been interned. Kita No Taiko was proud to be asked to play for this event.
  
  
• Heritage Festival – Aug 2, 3, 4, 08
  Every year Kita No Taiko plays at the Japanese pavilion for the Heritage Festival in Edmonton. While we look forward to this event, we are also apprehensive because the weather seems to be either boiling hot, or rainy and cold. This year was hot but we survived yet again! This show was special because it was the debut for some of the new KNT apprentices. Thanks to all our supporters who came out, and we hope to see you next year!
  
  
• School Shows
  Throughout the school year, KNT performs at schools. Please contact us if you would like more information.
  
  
• Caritas Long Service Awards – Nov 7, 08
  (Caritas is combination of the Misericordia, Grey Nuns, and Edmonton General Hospitals in Edmonton.) Although KNT only played 1 song to open this gala event, it was very special for Brenda, a KNT member, who was recognized for 30 years employment with the Misericordia. “I was only 1 of 500+ people attending this event, but I knew they were playing just for me, ” said Brenda. After the song was played, the CEO of Caritas commented to the audience that he’d had a bad headache prior to the event. He thought it was likely to get worse when he realized his table was right in front of the drums, but reported that he was pleasantly surprised that his headache was gone after 7 minutes of mesmerizing taiko. Hmm… Taiko as alternative medicine?
  

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING MADE EASY!

(Or Hanukkah, anniversaries, birthdays)

How about a Gift Certificate for a WORKSHOP in JANUARY?
Get on our email list by emailing info@kitanotaiko.ca and we’ll keep you informed.

Memorable People

Playing taiko, of course, is about drumming. It involves commitment and discipline to learn the music and choreography. It involves melding the body and mind; however there is something else. Marie feels that taiko is both a personal and a communal journey.

Marie wrote the two following articles on her gratitude to friends and family’s support of her commitment to taiko, and her deepening awareness of the personal bonding of taiko apprentices during their long learning process and how that bonding creates a relationship for life.

Learning taiko is a journey. It is a long road but it is gratifying. The art of taiko demands time and dedication. When a person joins the group as a member of Kita No Taiko, she or he soon realizes there is much more to this experience than coming to practice. I learned many things: that it takes more than a large time commitment; that once one feels emotionally connected to taiko, it becomes a piece of your soul; and that once a person decides to embark on this journey not only do you embark on it, but so do your friends and family. It is not easy for them but they support you in that journey. They become your biggest fans, record your performances and cheer you on (even when they’ve heard the songs many times over). They purchase T-shirts, attend workshops but most of all they are there for you. This is so integral to taiko development. They learn of the discipline and the dedication you need to improve. It is also their sacrifice, to accept your absence some evenings and weekends, and support you in your commitment.

These people in our lives understand that taiko gets etched in our hearts, and they have to share that piece of your heart with taiko. This is the most significant type of support you will need as a taiko player, even more than a round of applause or standing ovation. We couldn’t make this work without the understanding of our families that allow us to practice, perform, and go to meetings, trips, and conferences. Thanks to Raphael, my family, and friends for being there for me. It has lessened the load to carry on my journey with taiko.

All Kita No Taiko members start as apprentices. We all remember the apprenticeship, the many hours put in to learn the music and master the movements. We all remember hours in the “hot box” (a secondary, and not very comfortable practice room), episodes of frustration, and reward. We also remember the group of apprentices we started with. We swapped sheet music, shared practice tips, muddled through new music together and encouraged each other. Fellow apprentices go through all of it with you from that first show, the evaluations, to your last show as an apprentice. The other apprentices experiencing this journey with you become strong supporters in your journey. You know that some will make it through to membership, but you are also well aware, some may not. Because we end up connecting, we hope all of us make it as members together.

Mits and I started with 4 other apprentices in 2004. Slowly our group became 3, and after a lot of hard work, Daniel, Mits and I made it as members. From then on it was a new beginning, where we continued to grow together, almost like siblings. We watched each other develop as taiko players. There was no competition, only hopes that the three of us could improve and keep up with the group. This connection with the people that you start with is very strong and forms an uncommon bond that you share with only those people, not even with any members that started before or after you. As years go on, you learn to lean on them. You grow together as taiko players and performers.

When life brings reasons for someone to leave the group, the person left behind is forced to adjust, and continue that journey without that friend. It is tough at first but you know it has to be done. Mits became a good friend of mine within taiko, and a good friend of my fiancé and mine outside of Kita No Taiko. So when Mits announced that he had to move to Ontario, I had to “adjust.” Eventually, the fact that Mits was no longer at practices, shows, and recordings didn’t hurt as bad. Especially when I realized that I had made a life long friend that I will see again.

Memorable Events

Taiko Trip to Japan – October 2007

The most exciting thing for the group this past year was our trip to Japan in October 2007.

So, just where did we go? What did we do? Let us give you an overview. For more details, see our complete description.

We started in Tokyo. While there we had some lessons with a professional taiko performer and also with another taiko group which was formed decades ago and that pioneered the use of the Japanese drum as a performing art.

While in Tokyo everyone had to experience one night in a capsule hotel, of course.

Just outside Tokyo we had a joint performance with 5 other groups in a really nice theatre. The groups were certainly varied; kids’ group, semi-pro groups, and hobby groups.

We hiked a famous 8 km trail between Magome and Tsumago. Good thing we don’t use 35mm film now. We would have needed bags full of film. It is a gorgeous, peaceful place.

From there we went to Okazaki, which is not too far from Nagoya. Near Okazaki we went to perform at a Special Needs school.

But no rest for us. After that we zoomed to Kyoto to watch the Jidai Matsuri parade. It is a parade of people dressed in costumes from different eras in Japan. Famous people are also portrayed.

In Kyoto we stayed in an absolutely incredible place. We rented a machiya, which is like a townhouse but one that is very old and restored. In Kyoto, of course, we visited some tourist sites that really are not to be missed even for those who have been to Kyoto before.

Keeping up the pace we went to Koyasan; a mountain not too far from Osaka. It is famous for its shrines and incredible monuments, some of which are found in a massive cemetery. There were countless photo opportunities again, with such a pretty backdrop of huge cedar trees throughout. It was definitely cold there at night so warm clothes were a must.

We stayed in a temple overnight and were treated to a delicious vegetarian supper.

Are we done? One more stop. We went to a town called Iga-Ueno. We went there because there is a ninja house. It was fun to see the demonstrations and displays, and a very cute future ninja.

That was followed with a short time of panic shopping because sadly, it was time to leave.

Despite our intentions to keep the pace moderate, it was fast paced all the time but we have no regrets about that. Now the question is, when are we going again?

You can see more photos and descriptions of this trip here.

Jody’s Highlights of the Trip

I think this was one of the most memorable experiences in my life! Even though I had been to Japan twice before, it had been almost 13 years since I had visited the country. To travel with almost all of the fabulous KNTers was an adventure I will not soon forget!

With the group I was able to explore much more of Tokyo than I had been able to before.

Some of the highlights for me included dodging all the crazy vehicles whizzing around Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market. I was amazed by all the fresh fish, especially the giant tuna!

Having my first (and probably last) experience crawling into a bed at a capsule hotel was memorable.

Daniel took Mits and me to this great little out-of-the-way noodle shop that was a lot of fun!

Not every moment was fabulous for me, but fortunately we have two caring KNT nurses, Angela and Marie, and they helped me navigate the Tokyo health system when I got a bad case of bed bugs. Yuck!

Outside of Tokyo, I think the group had a wonderful time together during our stay in the breathtakingly beautiful village of Magome. Watching the fall colours come out in this misty mountain locale was something else! Photos do not do it justice. Our early-morning trek through rice fields, bamboo forests and waterfalls to the nearby town of Tsumago was incredible!

Other trip highlights included some of us letting loose in a Kyoto karaoke booth and getting in touch with our “inner ninja” in Iga.

Of course, KNT didn’t go all that way just to be tourists! The group had some very special moments performing with local taiko groups and for a special needs school. The connections we made with our fellow taiko players in Japan made this trip truly unforgettable for me!

Further to this, one of Dan’s fondest memories was of an unplanned game of basketball at the above-mentioned school. “After performing with Rin (a local taiko group) at the special needs school we changed our clothes and loaded the equipment, then noticed some of the kids playing basketball so we went to join them. “It was so much fun,” said Dan.

2008 Regional Taiko Gathering

Kita No Taiko was happy to be a part of this biennial conference for taiko groups in western Canada and north-western USA, which was held in Vancouver. Four members went this August, and met up with our former member Sophia. (Who now lives in Vancouver, and is expecting a baby!)

We had the opportunity to take classes from many accomplished instructors who were teaching on a wide variety of topics. They not only involved playing, but also stage presence, workshop organization, drum upkeep, singing, and even break dancing (which turned out to not actually involve taiko; even those with good taiko muscles felt the pain). We all had a lot of fun learning and sharing with the other groups, and feeling a part of the larger taiko community.

Want to take a workshop? Try taiko for yourself!

This newsletter is primarily to notify people of workshops or large performances. Due to the cost of postage, we cannot mail out to everyone on the whole mailing list each time we have a workshop or show.

If you want to stay on the "very active" mailing list to be notified of all workshops and large shows, please call our answering machine or email us and let us know.

We are using the email list more, especially to notify people of upcoming shows (often on short notice). We like to have both regular and email addresses since we have found that people often change their email addresses and more people are blocking mass emails (meaning that you won't get one from us because we can't send emails to each of you as individuals).

We never sell, trade, etc., our email or mailing lists. If you are on our email list, you will be notified of shows and workshops unless you block emails.

If you want to be added to the email list and do not block group emails, please contact us.

If you received a copy both by email and regular mail, we would appreciate knowing and in future, would only send an email copy.

Thank you for your interest in Kita No Taiko.