Group History#
Fubuki Daiko is a Winnipeg-based professional taiko group founded in 1995 by Hiroshi Koshiyama, Naomi Guilbert, and Phoebe Man. They were soon joined by Bruce Robertson and later by Kimi Guilbert after Man’s departure in 2000. Koshiyama, Guilbert, and Robertson trained under Grandmaster Seiichi Tanaka of the San Francisco Taiko Dojo, touring with him across the U.S. and Japan, including a performance at Carnegie Hall. After relocating to Winnipeg and establishing Fubuki Daiko, they began teaching taiko classes to adults and children. All current members of Fubuki Daiko’s professional performing group (Giselle Mak, Lynn Lai, Alex Struthers, and Chelsea Rohatensky) have advanced through the ranks of these classes.
Fubuki Daiko has thrilled audiences across North America with their original compositions and signature style of taiko—one that combines the strict discipline of their martial arts-like training with their North American musical roots. Their ability to establish an immediate and lasting rapport with audiences has made them favourites at festivals, schools, conferences, and concert halls. They’ve released two albums, Fubuki (2000) and Zanshin (2004), and their music was featured in the film Healing Beats by Ivan Muñoz.
Since its founding, Fubuki Daiko has prioritized teaching taiko to youth, with members visiting schools across Manitoba through the Artists in the Schools Program. Their student group, Fubuki Daiko Kagemusha, performs at charity events.
Founding Inspiration#
The founding members met in San Francisco and wanted to continue drumming in Winnipeg.
Notable History#
- “Elements” full-length ballet collaboration with the Northern Plains Ballet
- Winnipeg Fringe Festival
- Edmonton Fringe Festival
- Fubuki Daiko 20th Anniversary Concert
- 2001 Prairie Music Award for Outstanding Instrumental Recording"
Future Goals and Values#
Staying connected with our drums, our students and our audiences.
Performance Material Sources#
We primarily compose our own material.
Taiko Community Mentors in the Group#
- Hiroshi Koshiyama - Composing, taiko skills, building taiko, workshops
- Naomi Guilbert - taiko skills, composing, workshops
