a) To
introduce taiko and Japanese culture to the Frankston community.
b) To
become proficient to participate in various special occasions.
c) To
increase our skills to enable us to participate in our Japanese Festival in 2025
in Frankston.
d) To
have fun and exercise and share our love of Japan.
e) To
purchase and/or acquire our own set of Taiko drums.
f) To investigate Exadon – an innovative fitness program centered around enjoying taiko. The name combines three words – “exercise”, “Sado” an island in the Sea of Japan, and the sound of beating a taiko drum, ”don”.
Negotiations began to secure the services of an instructor with Toshi Sakamoto of Wadaiko Rindo agreeing to come to Frankston once a month to instruct the group. These lessons began in late June 2023 and an additional practice session is held each month led by Vice-Chairperson Simon Hast. The group was focused on learning a set piece which was played on stage at the Australian Fair held in our sister city Susono in early October 2023 by members of our Frankston Delegation.
Monthly lessons and practice sessions have continued with additional pieces and taiko skills developed during the Sunday morning gatherings held in the classrooms adjacent to our Japanese Garden at Frankston High School's Senior Campus in Towerhill Road. Members of the group enjoy meeting to develop their taiko drumming skills, the social interaction of performing with other members of the Frankston community, exercise and having fun.
In April 2024 we held a very successful Come 'N' Try Taiko at Ballam Park where members of the Frankston community joined our group and learned to play taiko for the first time. Participants included toddlers, children, teenagers, mums and dads as well as a few older folk with everyone playing with great enthusiasm, enjoyment and effort! We also held a 'Bring A Friend' lesson to further promote and introduced taiko to more community members.
We have recently purchased 4 second hand drums, have negotiated the hire of 7 additional drums, and await the delivery of another 2 drums and bachi from Optimum Percussion in Sydney which will bring our collection to 13 drums, plus the 16 gomi daiko (practice drums) constructed last year.
On Sunday 14th July 2024 we held a fantastic Come 'N' Try event at Bunnings Frankston store with more than 40 participants learning and playing taiko with great enthusiasm and enjoyment during the 2 hour workshop. Thanks to Frankston Bunnings Activities Officer Lyn Kellow for her great support!
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| Taiko group performance at Frankston Bunnings store |
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| Performing with workshop participants |
If you would like more information about our Frankston Taiko Drumming group please email frankston.susono@gmail.com or contact Bev on 0413 777 313.
2024 Taiko Schedule
Sunday April 21st - Lesson with Toshi - 10.00 - 11.30 a.m.
Sunday May 5th - Practice - 10.00 - 11.00 a.m.
Sunday May 26th - Lesson with Toshi - 10.00 - 11.30 a.m.
Sunday June 16th - Practice - 10.00 - 11.00 a.m.
Sunday June 23rd - Lesson with Toshi - 10.00 - 11.30 a.m.
Sunday July 7th - Practice - 10.00 - 11.00 a.m.
Sunday July 14th - COME 'N' TRY TAIKO @ BUNNINGS FRANKSTON - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sunday July 28th - Lesson with Toshi - 10.00 - 11.30 a.m.
Sunday August 4th - Practice - 10.00 - 11.00 a.m.
Sunday August 18th - Lesson with Toshi - 10.00 - 11.30 a.m.
Sunday September 8th - Practice - 10.00 - 11.00 a.m.
Sunday September 15th - Lesson with Toshi - 10.00 - 11.30 a.m.
Sunday September 22nd - Taiko Workshop in Abbotsford
Wednesday September 25th - FCC School Holiday Program Taiko Workshop - 1.00 - 4.00 p.m. @ Frankston South Community & Leisure Centre, Towerhill Road
Sunday October 6th - Practice - 10.00 - 11.00 a.m.
Sunday October 20th - Lesson with Toshi - 10.00 - 11.30 a.m.
(Our 2024 HANAMI PARTY will follow our lesson, commencing at 12 noon until 2 p.m.)
Sunday November 3rd - BUNNINGS SAUSAGE SIZZLE
Sunday November 10th - Practice - 10.00 - 11.00 a.m.
Sunday November 24th - Lesson with Toshi - 10.00 - 11.30 a.m.
Thursday December 5th - Bunnings Christmas Family Night
Sunday December 8th - Practice - 10.00 - 11.00 a.m.
Sunday December 15th - Cruden Farm Festive Christmas Market - 10.00 a.m. - 4 p.m.
