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.
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!
 |
| Taiko group performance at Frankston Bunnings store |
 |
| Performing with workshop participants |
We have purchased 4 second hand drums, have negotiated the hire of 7 additional drums, and recently purchased another 4 new drums from Optimum Percussion in Sydney which will bring our collection to 15 drums, plus the 16 gomi daiko (practice drums) constructed last year.
During 2025 we have continued our lesson and practice session each month, purchased additional new drums with funds raised at our Bunnings Sausage Sizzles, participated in community events and were the opening performance at our highly successful Japanese Festival held at Frankston High School on Sunday 3rd August.
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.
2025/2026 Taiko Schedule
Thursday December 4th - BUNNINGS FAMILY CHRISTMAS NIGHT 6 - 8 P.M.
Sunday December 7th - Practice - 10.00 - 11.30 a.m.
Sunday December 21st - Lesson with Toshi - 10.00 - 11.30 a.m.
2026
Sunday January 18th - Practice - 10.00 - 11.30 a.m.
Sunday February 1st - Practice - 10.00 - 11.30 a.m.
SUNDAY February 8th - LANTERN FESTIVAL - Cruden Farm, Langwarrin
Sunday February 22nd - Lesson with Toshi - 10.00 - 11.30 a.m.
Sunday March 15th - Practice - 10.00 - 11.30 a.m.
Sunday March 22nd - BUNNINGS SAUSAGE SIZZLE
Sunday March 29th - Lesson with Toshi - 10.00 - 11.30 a.m.
Sunday April 12th - Practice - 10.00 - 11.30 a.m.
Sunday April 26th - Lesson with Toshi - 10.00 - 11.30 a.m.
Sunday May 17th - Practice - 10.00 - 11.30 a.m.
Sunday May 24th - BOX HILL JAPAN FESTIVAL
Sunday May 31st - Lesson with Toshi - 10.00 - 11.30 a.m.
Sunday June 14th - Practice - 10.00 - 11.30 a.m.
Sunday June 21st - BUNNINGS SAUSAGE SIZZLE
Sunday June 28th - Lesson with Toshi - 10.00 - 11.30 a.m.
Sunday July 19th - BUNNINGS FRANKSTON COME 'N' TRY TAIKO
Sunday November 15th - BUNNINGS SAUSAGE SIZZLE
Additional dates will be added as events are confirmed!
