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Yamabiko Taiko

Kelowna, BC

Number of Members: 10

Founded: 2003

Website: http://www.yamabikotaiko.ca

Group History
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Our group began when Eri Uchida sought a space to practice taiko for her personal growth. After securing a location, local residents expressed interest in learning taiko as well—even though Eri herself was still early in her learning journey. Despite this, the group gradually began to grow, and before long, performance requests started coming in.

After Eri has left Canada, the group continued to develop and strengthen its presence in Kelowna. During the pandemic, Yamabiko Taiko chose to continue our learning by taking online lessons via Zoom with taiko instructor and soloist Ryo Shimamoto of Japan.

Today, Yamabiko Taiko is thriving more than ever. The group is energized and optimistic about the future, looking forward to continuing its journey and sharing the art of taiko with the broader community.

Founding Inspiration
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Started out Eri Uchida wanting to practice taiko. And other people wanted to learn together. After her leaving Canada, the group had enough members to keep going. Because the way we practice, only passionate ones ended up staying. The inspiration comes from our passion to learn to be a better taiko players.

Notable History
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  • Our concert with Ryo Shimamoto in Spring 2024
  • New Denver at Kohan Garden
  • Kaslo anniversary of internment Camp
  • Nelson performance
  • Vernon Japanese theatre series

Future Goals and Values
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Improving our skills to the next level. Connect with our local communities even more than before. Buying more drums.

Performance Material Sources
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Directly from our teacher (Ryo Shimamoto). Or in the past from workshops.