Monmouth Taiko (Monmouth), is a Japanese drum ensemble group, started at Western Oregon State in 1995. Taiko drumming was used historically for communication, celebratory, theatrical and religious purposes. In 1950s Japan, taiko drumming gained popularity in its contemporary ensemble format. Monmouth Taiko is a way to remember and share Japanese culture in the US.
Bio
Monmouth Taiko (Monmouth), is a Japanese drum ensemble group, started at Western Oregon State in 1995. Taiko drumming was used historically for communication, celebratory, theatrical and religious purposes. In 1950s Japan, taiko drumming gained popularity in its contemporary ensemble format. Monmouth Taiko’s founder, Koichi Ando, then director of International Studies at Western Oregon State University, had always had a dream of starting a taiko group. Ando, who had learned taiko in Japan, recruited band member Todd Wilson early on because Wilson had a barn—a place to practice. Ando taught Wilson and others—mostly young, Japanese women attending the university. The group made their taiko drums from a local Oregon resource, spent wine barrels. Although founder Koichi Ando moved back to Japan, the group has maintained the same core group of musicians, though others have also come and gone. Several of those original members married and settled in the area after college. For these Japanese women, Monmouth Taiko is a way to remember and share their culture. As they bring their children to the group, they pass on this musical tradition to the next generation. One of their members is 4th-generation Japanese-American. Monmouth Taiko performs traditional and modern pieces; group members have also created original drumming and choreography. The group also does community outreach through programs like community lessons at the Independence library and an all-day workshop for young people at the Salem library.
