Friends of the Arts

Japanese Taiko Drumming
presented by the RyuSHuKan Japanese Arts Center

Sunday, April 15, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.
At the Library Auditorium

Join us for a fascinating afternoon featuring the amazing sounds of Taiko drums. These ancient, large drums - some larger than a person, are played standing up. The Taiko has its origins in calling people for to community activities in the villages of Japan. The boundary of a village was the distance the sound of the big Taiko could be heard upon walking away from the center of the village. The Samurai used the Taiko on the battlefield to control troop movement and to scare their enemies; in their castles to sound the alarm of impending attacks. Monks would strike the drums to ‘wake up’ the gods so they would hear the people’s prayers for good weather for the growing of their crops or a safe and bountiful fishing expedition. To give thanks for a good harvest, village festivals were celebrated with the sound of drumming. These festivals developed a rich body of traditional taiko rhythms which are now a never ending source of inspiration to modern players. The RyuShuKan Japanese Arts Center is located in Farmingville, LI and is run by Gerard Sense and his wife, Hiroko. As an executive commitee member of the Japan Center at Stony Brook University, he directs the community oureach events for the Center and along with Hiroko, is the producer of the "Sakura Matsuri"-Cherry Blossom Festival; the premiere cultural event of the Japan Center held at the Wang Center at Stony Brook University. This music is the oldest continuous orchestral music in the world. Be prepared to be moved by these giants of percussion!