Group History#
Uminari Taiko’s was formed as a collective with a passion to learn the art and culture of Japanese taiko. Founding members built drums from tires and sewer pipes, learned songs, began performing and then offering workshops for others to learn. We welcome diversity, experienced and inexperienced players to join in with us in our classes. Progress is shared through mini-performances after each session. Performance requests have increased over the years. We have grown as a group through players with experience from other groups having joined us and also by welcoming apprentices to add fresh energy to our group. We are proud members of the Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society (VNCS) performing as part of VNCS community celebrations and Vancouver Island festivals.
Founding Inspiration#
Learning, sharing and promoting the art of Japanese taiko
Notable History#
All memorable in the concentration and sharing of ‘kumi and ki’ with community!
- World Drums: A Celebration of Rhythm, Victoria McPherson Playhouse - 2009
- NATC Seattle Taiko Ten ‘Haru No Kari’ premiere -2011
- Gambare Japan Earthquake & Tsunami Fundraiser -2011
- Uminari Taiko 10th Anniversary -2012 & 15th Anniversary Concert - 2017
- Pacific Rim Sakura Cultural Festival - 2019
- City of Victoria ‘Music in the Park’ - 2020, ‘21, ‘22, 23, ‘24 , ‘25
Future Goals and Values#
Maintaining connection with community and among ourselves through periods of change
Performance Material Sources#
Open source taiko pieces learned at taiko conferences, some original and contemporary taiko compositions
Taiko Community Mentors in the Group#
Esme Friesen – communications, ‘drills & thrills’, building and maintenance of taiko Gayle Nye – mentoring for taiko skills, group building
