Yamato Study Guide - Omaha Performing Arts

Taiko in PerformanceTaiko music recalls the very origins of music in the movement of the body and should be seen as well as heard. Taiko performanceis based on the modulaon between the “female” (le hand) and the “male” (right hand) strokes of the drumscks—the femalestroke is always so and the male is always a strong stroke. The modulaon between so and strong is the primary component oftaiko drumming. In performance, cymbals, gongs, flutes, koto (Japanese zither) and shamisen (Japanese lute) augment the percussion.The rhythms the drummers use are somemes intense, somemes funny and warm, expressing different moods, mes andplaces. The musicians seek to link their hearts and souls with the beang of the drums. Yamato Drummers of Japan founder MasakiOgawa explains: “We are a group of people who create the beat of life by using a simple and interesng instrument and insllingour souls into it.”Pre-Performance Acvity:As a class project, have students research and report on Japan—its history and culture. As part of the project,have students bring in items from or pertaining to Japan (magazine arcles, pictures, movies, toys, clothes, etc.).Use them to create a classroom display. Discuss what you might take to Japan to represent our culture.