Taiko Source Highlights - July 2024
Welcome back - here's our July update! In this second month of Obon-related content, let's turn the spotlight to Kay Fukumoto and Maui Taiko!
"Fukushima Ondo": Enjoy a short talk about the Obon traditions, as well as the Fukushima Ondo dance steps at this flashback video from the closing of NATC Portland!
"Great Grandfather's Drum": Learn more about Maui Taiko and their connection to Fukushima through this DVD documentary which was released in 2011. Scroll to tbe bottom for a bonus sample lesson plan for educators!
What is Taiko Source?
NATC 2009 Opening Ceremony
Photo Credit: UnknownTaiko Source, acquired by Taiko Community Alliance in 2022, is a digital space for the taiko community to share resources and make connections. TaikoSource is dedicated to the development of information resources to empower the people and advance the art of taiko. Original creators of Taiko Source include Ben Patcher and Wendy Jedlička.
The mission of Taiko Community Alliance (TCA) is to empower the people and advance the art of taiko.
Emergeng from the COVID-19 pandemic with a renewed focus to "Empower the people and advance the art of taiko", TCA revitalized the bi-annual North American Taiko Conference by implementing an annual "Conference series" which features smaller, geographically afiled NATC-Regionals which strives to increase the accesibility of the NATC experience.
In addition to NATC and NATC-R, highlights of TCA's efforts include the annual Grant Program, "Congra-CHU-lations" recognition event, "Taiko-thon" community showcase, ongoing Leadership Program, and periodic web-based seminars and mixers.
Behind the scenes, future plans are underway to directly expand the adminstrative and financial offerings to support taiko organizations small and large. Stay tuned for updates in the coming months!