News

Sadly we have said goodbye our sensei of 10 years, Simon Vanyai, who moved to WA in March 2012. We had a suprise party for him in conjunction with our 10th birthday celebrations. It was a wonderful evening and much enjoyed by all. Below is a picture of Simon as he walked in on the surprise party.

Party on the wharf!! (Simon at centre)

On the long weekend 10-12 March 2012 we had a fantastic weekend workshop.  Download flyer.

Teachers included Munetaka Umehara from Adelaide, who taught Japanese folk dance and music, including fue, Lara Wasilewski, who taught some tricky samba rhythms, and of course our own Simon Vanyai, who is sadly soon going to move to W.A. The Monday afternoon finished with a boat trip on the Cartela, including drumming on the water!

Taiko Drum is 10 years old this year (2012), and we had our 10th birthday celebration at Mawson Pavilion on the 27th of February. They have been ten wonderful years filled with excitement, hard work and many achievements. Pictured is the cake, created by Anne and Janan Sykes.

"Music Box" concert was held with Island Brass Academy, September 30th 2011. See a video excerpt here.

We performed in various areas around Hobart and raised around $1000 for emergency relief after the 2011 earthquake/tsunami disaster. We also performed at a Senbazuru (1000 cranes) folding session organised by John Kertesz, and at an exhibition of photos of the disaster, with all proceeds going to the relief fund.

Australia's Got Talent! Taiko Drum performed in the SEMI-FINALS!! More here

We also appeared on Australia's Got Talent episode 6 Wednesday 18 March 2011. The judges loved the show! See our perfomance here

Hobart residents were thrilled to see a stellar performance by members of Taikoz at the Theatre Royal on Nov. 17 & 18. We also had the privilege of a workshop with Masae and Graham. Thanks guys!

September 2010: Some of our members joined in with this Melbourne event, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

KOKORO (from the heart) — Taiko Drum concert, Hobart, September 2009. More

Lara Wasilewski visited Tasmania on April 26th 2009 and led a workshop which introduced members to a variety of rhythms to help expand our range for soloing.

Taikoz came to Hobart in early April 2009 to give a concert for 10 Days On The Island. During their visit, we had the opportunity of doing two fantastic workshops with them.

Legendary Japanese Wadaiko group KODO came to Melbourne in February 2009, to perform with Sydney group Taikoz, and also run a workshop. Several of our members went and reported that it was an amazing experience.

TRAINING CAMP was held during the January Australia Day long weekend 2009. Location: Bruny Island. It was wonderful, challenging and exhausting! Thanks Simon and others who helped organise this event.

All-Australia Wadaiko Festival, September 2008.
Twelve or so members enjoyed sharing and learning from other Australian groups, learning two new pieces and performing them in this intensive three-day course organised by Toshi Sakomoto of Wadaiko Rindo.

Held at the Playhouse Theatre, August 30/31. There were three shows, and the first two were sold out. Another huge success for Taiko Drum. Thanks to all! More

Thanks to all who were involved with this event on Sunday July 22 2007 at the Federation Concert Hall in Hobart. We received a standing ovation from the audience. The comments we received afterwards were enthusiastic. Well done all! More

an exhibition of movement and rhythm .. a showcase performance featuring international drumming master Art Lee - was held on Mon 5th Feb 2007, Salamanca Arts Centre Long Gallery.
Standing ovations. Thanks to our wildly enthusiastic audience! Thanks to all who worked hard towards this event. More

On Saturday the 26th August, 2006, some of our more advanced members participated in a workshop with Taikoz members Graham and Masae. It was fantastic to get pointers on playing in the Hachijyo style.

On the weekend 5-6 August 2006 we had a great weekend with Rika and her group, Yui Taiko, from Japan. We had a full-day workshop and a dinner and bonfire the night before.

New Junior Taiko group. We are hoping to reinstate Taiko Chan soon.

Two TUUTS members visited Japan during 2006 and several also visited in January-February 2005, and stayed a few days each in Mie, Yaizu and Ikeda, as well as participating in a wadaiko workshop with Art Lee at Achi Village, Nagano. The trip was a great success! More details here.

- - Featuring Art Lee from Nagano Japan - -
2005 concert ... All 3 sessions were sold out!
Massive audience response.......Standing ovations
More

Three of our members have recently come back from their September 2004 trip to Uluru. Find out more here.

At the end of 2003, we prepared some beautiful new uniforms, which, like most of our drums, were designed and created by us. Previously we wore blue Matsuri jackets.