Japanese

Konnichi wa!

こんにちは

At the beginning of this term, students in Grade 4, 5 and 6 learning Japanese had an opportunity to be involved in a Japanese taiko drumming incursion, instructed by Kiyomi Sensei, a professional Japanese taiko drumming instructor. 

Students learnt a number of techniques involved in using the taiko, including proper stance and how to correctly hold the bachi (wooden sticks) to create the drumming sounds. It was a lot trickier than students first expected! It was great to see the students engaging so enthusiastically, working together to follow the rhythms and be so responsive to the instructions given. 

About taiko drumming

In Japanese, taiko literally means "drum”.

A taiko is a drum made from an open-ended wooden barrel with animal skin stretched over both ends. It is played with two bachi (wooden sticks).

Taiko has been a part of Japanese culture for centuries.

Japanese people have used taiko in festivals and rituals to pray, give thanks for good harvests, and keep away misfortunes.

Each village had its own rhythm patterns, which were carefully protected and passed on through generations. 

Centuries ago, taiko was used predominantly in the military.

Brown Sensei

Until next year, 

Sayounara

さようなら