TAMPA TAIKO Japanese Drumming Ensemble

TAMPA TAIKO Japanese Drumming Ensemble Logo

Basic Information

Address: PO Box 18004 Clearwater, FL 33762
Phone Number: 727.531.7999
Director: Ron Collins

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TAMPA TAIKO Japanese Drumming Ensemble
TAMPA TAIKO Japanese Drumming Ensemble
TAMPA TAIKO Japanese Drumming Ensemble
TAMPA TAIKO Japanese Drumming Ensemble

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Additional Information

Focus: Japanese culture, history, music, and hands-on education on taiko drums
Grade Levels: Pre-K, K-5, 6-8, 9-12
Length: 45-90 minutes
Travel:

Primarily, we perform in Florida. Have also visited Virginia, DC, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Mississippi, the Carolinas, and Alabama

Pricing: $275 for local workshops, to $1750 for out-of-state ensemble performances.
Workshops:

Student workshops typically begin with an introduction to the essentials of Japanese taiko drumming through active hands-on participation on taiko drums. Students will learn about taiko history and context, full-body warm up, proper stance, grip, taiko vocabulary, and a practice piece that combines these skills.

Team building workshops are for students and teachers, too! Through active individual participation and the fundamentals of teamwork, the consolidated learning gained during the event is applied to allow your teams to perform a dynamic Japanese Taiko drumming piece. Individuals and teams will end the workshop with a sense of personal accomplishment and the realization of what can be completed as a team.

We also allow groups to construct their own taiko drum at our six-week taiko building workshop. We order used wine barrels and turn them into magnificent musical instruments. Wear work clothes and be prepared to get messy with wood glue, wood stain, varnish and sawdust.

Residencies: Taiko has become more and more popular in high schools and colleges across the United States since the end of World War II, but most programs are only available where there is a large population of Japanese-Americans. In Florida,Tampa Taiko’s Sensei Ron Collins is available for daily, weekly, or monthly sessions at schools and libraries. One option is to model your residency program as a martial arts dojo which includes a graduated belt system. For on-going training, many people make and play their own taiko drums. It takes approximately 30 days to complete a drum, and the project may be included within our residency program, featuring daily or weekly sessions with Tampa Taiko’s Sensei Ron Collins.
Setup: 30 minutes
Takedown: 15
Equiptment: We bring several big taiko drums that we have made from recycled barrels that originally were used in Napa Valley, California. Our entire presentation is made while in costume, and we bring several other instruments that add to our concert performances and workshops.
Special Requirements: We bring moving carts to roll in the drums, so we like to have easy access to the event location.
Highlights:

Tampa Taiko has developed a reputation for impressive, exciting and artful performances; a strong choice in entertainment for festivals, school assemblies, corporate and VIP events. We are available for entertainment during evening or daytime events.

If your program also includes a workshop, everyone will remember their opportunity to play our taiko drums!

Mission Statement:

Our performances and workshops support K-12 Florida Music Standards regarding Historical and Global Connections: Through study in the arts, we learn about and honor others and the worlds in which they live(d).

Philosophy/Belief Statement:

Through the proper study of traditional taiko, we learn about and honor the Japanese and the world in which they live(d).

Program History:

Tampa Taiko is the current performing ensemble that traces its lineage to Japan, via our original sensei that brought his talents to Florida in 1988. Current Managing Director, Ron Collins, has conducted over 500 workshops and performances since building his first taiko drum in 2003.

Testimonials:

The Citrus County Library System is so happy that we chose Tampa Taiko as our performer for our finale to our library summer reading program. Ron and Julius are beyond talented; they are mesmerizing to watch! Tampa Taiko combines Japanese drumming, culture, and history. Altogether, a wonderful educational and exciting experience for all ages! This video clip doesn’t do them justice. Check them out! Susan Mutschler, Library Manager"

Chaun'te Cooks, 3, and her father Chaun'te Eppes, both of Fort Pierce, take a turn on Tampa Taiko's drums Wednesday at the Fort Pierce Brach of the St. Lucie County Library. Tampa Taiko is a traditional Japanese drumming ensemble, led by Ron Collins of Clearwater. Collins tailors his classes to give children the opportunity to play the drums themselves and enjoys watching the metamorphosis of their demeanors. "You can see a big change in some of these kids from the beginning when they come in until the time they leave," Collins said. LEAH VOSS/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS, TCPalm

"We got to see Tampa Taiko drums today. It was a lot of fun and Natty really enjoyed it. She even got to try playing the drums!" Stacey Wilson, YouTube

“Shhhh, it’s a library” gave way to the rhythm and deep beats of Japanese-style Taiko drums in the Crescent City Public Library on Tuesday afternoon. It was all to the delight of children, adults and librarians when Ron Collins brought his Tampa Taiko drum show to the gathering in the library’s meeting room." Pete Skiba, The Palatka Daily News

"Artist of the day: Tampa Taiko - Tampa Taiko is two drummers, Ron Collins (above) and Julius Mendoza. But it's also much more than that. Collins and Mendoza perform all over town as Tampa Taiko, educating others on the performance art of traditional Japanese drumming, using martial arts-like movements and shouts to boost energy." Jay Cridlen, The Tampa Bay Times

"The first half of the performance is dedicated to the history and vocabulary of Taiko and the second half welcomes audience members to try play with "bachi," Japanese percussion sticks." Amy Stuart, The Ocala Star Banner

Additional Information: Tampa Taiko is a professional drumming ensemble that has performed for a vast array of audiences. Using a collection of taiko drums they have made themselves from discarded barrels, Tampa Taiko entertains and educates audiences with an exciting traditional presentation of an ancient Japanese art form.

This program can be held in a theater, gymnasium, band room, cafeteria, classroom, or most any other venue of your choice. Concerts and workshops are usually 50 to 70 minutes, tailored for the performance space, for any size audience. Also, the presentations and hands-on workshops are tailored to meet the needs of various the age and ability levels.

Tampa Taiko is a professional drumming ensemble that has performed for a vast array of audiences. Using a collection of taiko drums they have made themselves from discarded barrels, Tampa Taiko entertains and educates audiences with an exciting traditional presentation of an ancient Japanese art form.

This program can be held in a theater, gymnasium, band room, cafeteria, classroom, or most any other venue of your choice. Concerts and workshops are usually 50 to 70 minutes, tailored for the performance space, for any size audience. Also, the presentations and hands-on workshops are tailored to meet the needs of various the age and ability levels.

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