Talking Taiko With Sensei Ikuyo

by Ikuyo Conant, Artistic Director of Watsonville Taiko

Taiko is a simple instrument, and it carries an ancient voice that echoes the fundamental rhythms of life. Many cultures have percussion instruments which sound the pulse of life, and they are often played at rituals for the unity and continuation of the community. Various drums produce different pitches to create melodic sounds in addition to giving a basic beat to music. Drums also have been used for communication among communities. They are also important instruments to bridge the physical world and the spiritual world.

Watsonville Taiko has been studying various aspects of drumming to understand the important value of this instrument, and we always return to the meaning of taiko that is “the sound of heat” – “life.” Life in this world starts with the small first inhalation of air and ends with the last exhalation. Between these acts, we repeat countless inhalations and exhalations to create energy. Myriad small currents of air are cycling inside of our bodies through breathing. With our will power, we sustain our lives controlling flows of air creating both physical and spiritual energies.

For the taiko drummer, the simple act of striking the taiko is very important. The drummer learns to create the right structure of the body to avoid any leaking of energy. Then they connect the motion of striking with their breath. This process of constructing physical taiko forms, and creating sounds is the fundamental exercise in learning how to play Taiko. The vibration of the sound must reach to the center of the body so that the body resonates with the taiko sound. Taiko music resonates the body so that we feel the pulse of the body. If drummers learn how to resonate their center, then they can create resonance in others. The practice of creating the taiko sound extends into the spiritual aspect of the drumming to create ki, spiritual power. The goal of taiko is to connect mind and body to create a healthy sense of self.

With the support of various communities, Watsonville Taiko and our youth performing group--Shinsei Daiko--have been active, and this year’s performance brings us the 27th celebration of drumming with the title Primordial Winds. One of our goals is to share the drumming experience with people of all ages. This year’s performance members range from age 7 to 78. We also share the stage with our four sibling groups: Shinsho-Mugen Daiko from Monterey, Sandoshin Taiko and Niseishin Taiko from Morgan Hill, and Hinokitaiko from Cedar Grove Elementary School in San Jose. We hope to see you all at the Crocker Theater.