I have had my first two lessons on Taiko drumming! I really am having fun!!
I had hoped to share with you detailed information on Taiko drums but it is turning out to be much more complicated than I anticipated.
There seems to be a billion types of drums and since I don’t speak Japanese trying to keep the names and descriptions straight is beyond this new student.
During practice and performance there are many different sized drums in use with the many drums providing different pitches to astound the senses. Probably the most well-known drum in any Taiko ensemble would be the ōdaiko, the largest drum on the stage.
Bachi is the term for the drum sticks used. Right now I am using a very light weight set of bachi. Taiko drumming is quite a work out. The stance is a wide legged stance with a slight bend to the knees requiring good balance so you can move in and out from the drum. (I made the mistake of wearing sandals for lesson 2 and my feet were not happy.) The wrists, forearms, upper arms and shoulders are all used and depending on the strokes and rhythms you are undertaking the workout can be intense. A strong core is essential. I am grateful for the light weight bachi!
Thank you Marc Steuben for your continued patience!
sanseilife 