Taiko drums date back as early as 588 CE originating in South China, and eventually making their way to Korea and finally to Japan.

Ms. Dian is working with lower elementary students in teaching them the historical importance of taiko drums for early Asian cultures by the use of Japanese storytelling and learning how to play the same methods and rhythms as the Japanese did.

Some accounts began in the mythical realm where drummers were said to drum so ferociously that the men were able to scare away the evil forces that wanted to take over their village.  Other uses for the taiko drums were for religious ceremonies and theatrical accompaniment.  

“According to the war chronicle Gunji Yoshū, nine sets of five beats would summon an ally to battle, while nine sets of three beats, sped up three or four times, was the call to advance and pursue an enemy.”*

Although in our class today students used plastic buckets turned upside down with mallets/rhythm sticks as their beaters, and not actual taiko drums, the effect was dramatic.

On the whiteboard at the head of class, Ms. Dian had written the Japanese words along with the rhythm pattern that formed the chant for beating the drums in rhythm.  Students seemed to internalize the chant as they played clearly and with conviction.  

The ending beat was especially poignant as they hit the drums and chanted a guttural “Hoi.”  Ms. Dian also pointed out that silence is as important as loud drumming to have an effect on the audience.

It was challenging for all of the students to end right on time.  A couple of times they were successful, and it really had a strong impact upon the students and their teachers.

“Little Mermaid” update:

The upcoming musical, “The Little Mermaid,” is starting to take shape as students rehearse their parts and become more familiar with the script. Ms. Brittany, Ms. Dian, Mr. Alex, Ms. Melissa and Ms. Sarah are looking forward to the performance scheduled for Tuesday, March 4th and Wednesday, March 5th.