My name is Joan and I live in Aptos, CA. A little over a year ago I joined a class Taiko for Health in Santa Cruz. It was so invigorating I continued it and followed my sensei to Watsonville. I have been there ever since. Ikuyo's instruction is very thorough and she makes sure every student understands what to do and no one is left behind. We laugh and have a lot fun. It's such good exercise for me as well as learning to read the music and focusing and memorization. I bought a drum of my own now. I think I will want to do Taiko for the rest of my life. It is so good for the body and soul.
Joan
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- EIN 77-0355439
- info@watsonvilletaiko.org
- (831) 475-1088
- Po Box 1673 Watsonville CA 95077-1673 USA
- http://www.watsonvilletaiko.org/
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Nonprofit Overview
Causes: Arts & Culture, Community Celebrations, Cultural & Ethnic Awareness, Performing Arts
Mission: Watsonville Taiko creates opportunities to make meaningful connections through taiko drumming.
Target demographics: individuals of all ages learn to cultivate positive energy and express themselves through drumming.
Direct beneficiaries per year:
Geographic areas served: Watsonville, CA
Programs:
* Introductory and advanced taiko drumming classes each week and periodic workshops throughout the year. These classes teach taiko music, rhythms, forms and body awareness based on martial arts. At present, our membership is around 30 people ranging in age from 8 to 85 years old.
* Public performances at a variety of events including community events, commercial engagements, and private parties. For many years, Watsonville Taiko has been a fixture at events like the Big Sur Marathon, Capitola Wharf to Wharf, Japanese Cultural Fair and Watsonville Obon. Approximately one third of our performances each year are donated to the community. Approximately 10,000 people attend these performances each year.
* Partnerships with local public schools to offer workshops which present various aspects of Japanese culture as well as Taiko music to students from preschool age through high school.
* Providing Taiko drum therapy to individuals with Parkinson's, through a partnership with Next Stage Productions, in Santa Cruz.
* Concerts involving all players presenting a thematic show based on Japanese culture and mythology, created by the artistic director. These performances include drumming, dance, story-telling, designed lighting, special effects, costumes, and martial arts movements.