WADAIKO ALASKA
TAIKO DRUMMING COMPANY
Japanese Inspired. Made in Alaska.
Under Construction
What's Taiko?
Taiko, literally meaning "big (fat) drum," refers to the ensemble-style drumming of Japan (kumi daiko). Taiko is visually entertaining like dance and martial-arts because its technique utilizes the entire body to create sound. The ensemble-style creates the flexibility for members of all levels to perform as a whole, but unity in form (kata), philosophy and spirit (ki) are necessary to create a unified sound. Taiko was derived from festival, military, religious and community settings, but continues to evolve as a performing art in Japan, the US and throughout the world. Erika Ninoyu's style is Japanese-American by nature, but her taiko training is directly from Japan. She hopes to maintain the "Wa" (Japanese) spirit in her practice, teachings and compositions.
PRINCIPLES:
KI = SPIRIT (KIAI = ENERGY)
KATA = FORM & BODY
REI = RESPECT & DISCIPLINE
WA = OUR IDENTITY (ALASKANS w/ATTITUDE)
ABOUT WADAIKO ALASKA
Creative Director's Message:
In our urban society that prioritizes independence, I believe we’re losing something very valuable: the patience to actively listen and choose to learn from others. We lack the humility to accept criticism…especially from those who know us best.
Wadaiko Alaska’s multi-generational and multi-cultural community will be a source of knowledge, warmth and support for all members and its community. Since each person is unique, each person has something to contribute and something to learn. We will work together to uphold high expectations for respect, discipline, practice and performance. Our environment naturally cultivates respect for others and instills the value to become an active and positive member of the larger community. As a result, we have the honor of representing ourselves as one, as Wadaiko Alaska.
~ Erika Ninoyu, Founder and Creative Director
Initially formed in 2009, ERIKA NINOYU is resurrecting the group after returning from her apprenticeship with the world-renown professional taiko drumming group, SHIDARA, in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Erika's unique style reflects her life experiences as a classically trained percussionist, jazz drummer, taiko drummer, public school teacher, world-traveller, composer, Japanese-American, dancer and artist. As a result, WADAIKO ALASKA offers a taiko experience unlike any other in the world:
Original and Traditional Compositions
Inspire and Help Create New Stage Productions
Affect Change in Our Community
Instructor Professionally Trained in Japan
Instructor Professionally Trained in Eastern and Western Percussion
Scholarships Available for ASD Students
GET INVOLVED!
Sign-up for a class!
Help us build drums and stands!
Become a fiscal sponsor! Sponsor an ASD student!
Click here for more information about Erika: