Taiko Performance 2006

Taiko literally means "Big Drum"  in Japanese. It is a traditional Japanese percussion instrument, has various sizes. When performed, the performer will shout out sounds as the drum is hit, different drumming techniques have different sounds accordingly. In the past, since Taiko's were loud and thunder ous, they were also frequently used in warfare, used for setting marching pace, pass down orders, and to raise morale of the troops.

 This semester (Spring 2006), F&M had the priveledge of having a American Taiko group perform on campus. Students enrolled in Japanese and other members of the community watched an excellent performance, consising of solos, duets, and a lion dance in combination with drumming.

   Later, Japanese students had the priveledge of following the Taiko performers to experience what it is really like to play the Taiko, making sounds and all. After that, and after picture taking, students who had time had dinner with the Taiko performers along with our Japanese Language Professors.