“Wow! Wouldn’t it be great to grow up playing taiko?”-is what I thought when I first began learning taiko (Japanese Drumming). Though immigrants from Japan brought taiko with them in the late 1800’s, it wasn’t until 1968 that “kumi-daiko” or “ensemble taiko drumming” was introduced in the United States. A complete art form involving the mind, body, and spirit, taiko is a great way to channel energy in a positive way. Students not only learn the basics of taiko rhythm and form, but also learn historical and cultural traditions. Creativity, teamwork, listening skills, and individuality within a rhythmic commonality are also developed. I want students to understand that amazing things can be realized from hard work, focus, self-discipline, and teamwork – elements necessary for the culminating performances. Through taiko, we learn many universal concepts which are important for creating a better world.
Chizuko Endo has over 35 years experience playing taiko. She has performed throughout the United States, Japan, Canada, Germany, Argentina, Malaysia, and Australia. She has been teaching taiko for all ages and skill levels since 1994 at Taiko Center of the Pacific, a school of traditional and contemporary Japanese drumming. She has been in residency at public and private schools, including a successful 15+ year summer taiko intensive program for youth. Her extended residencies combine taiko drumming with creative writing, music, art, movement, and performance.
Chizuko Endo has over 35 years experience playing taiko. She has performed throughout the United States, Japan, Canada, Germany, Argentina, Malaysia, and Australia. She has been teaching taiko for all ages and skill levels since 1994 at Taiko Center of the Pacific, a school of traditional and contemporary Japanese drumming. She has been in residency at public and private schools, including a successful 15+ year summer taiko intensive program for youth. Her extended residencies combine taiko drumming with creative writing, music, art, movement, and performance.
The Artistic Teaching Partners (ATP) Roster is an adjudicated directory of Hawai‘i professional teaching artists qualified to conduct in-depth residencies in educational settings. Each artist or arts organization has a page in the directory with contact information, a short bio, and an artist statement. The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts draws from this roster for arts education programs including Art Bento at the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum and Artists in the Schools.
