Odaiko Sonora Summer '08

From left: Shidara’s mighty Hono Kuni rocked the Fox Theatre on April 20; Rome pictured with other recipients of this year’s “Lumies”; Odaiko Sonora member TSgt Rob De La Cerda set aside his bachi to serve in Iraq this summer; The Ha:san after school program wraps up this month.

Shine on/Carry on

On May 4, Odaiko Sonora received a 2008 “Lumie” (Tucson Pima Arts and Business Award) in the Emerging Arts Organization category, for “outstanding leadership and creativity in the arts.” We are thrilled that Odaiko Sonora has been recognized in this way, and wish to thank all of you for supporting us since 2002!

Taiko for You! ... Upcoming Classes

TODAY! Mon., June 2, we launch the summer session of our highly successful Introduction to Taiko Drumming. This five week class, designed specially for the PCC Community Campus, will give you an overview of Japanese ensemble drumming as a cultural practice and performing art. Participants will get handouts with basic terms and background info, a set of starter bachi (drumsticks) and then hands on training at the drums. Email karen@tucsontaiko.org to register.
5 weeks 9/8–10/6, Mon. 6:00–7:30pm.

Taiko ‘tweens, 4 weeks, Thursdays 5:30–6:30pm
For ages 7–11. Participants will learn the rudiments of Japanese ensemble drumming through entertaining, musical and movement-based activities. Emphasis will be on having fun and playing together as a team. Scholarships available. Two sessions: 9/4–9/25 and 10/9–10/30

All classes take place at Odaiko Sonora SPACE, 1013 S. Tyndall

Summer Plans

With the Shidara concert and tour over, our ‘tweens and adult classes ending, and the heat upon us, Odaiko Sonora leaders and performers will address their own training and educations. This is how we keep improving for our audiences and students, and how we maintain our connections to the larger taiko world.

Performing Ensemble players Rome, Nicole and Rebecca will attend the annual San Jose Weekend Intensive. Karen, on the other hand, will pursue her interest in bon odori by attending study sessions and obon festivals in Sacramento and San Jose this July. She will take that opportunity to study with a shamisen (Japanese lute/banjo) master in San Francisco.

Thanks to...

... the Tucson Pima Arts Council (TPAC) and Arizona Daily Star for establishing and sponsoring the Lumies and helping to ensure that the work of local artists and arts organizations is recognized. Thanks also to Odaiko Sonora’s major funders: TPAC, Arizona Commission on the Arts (ACA), Ralph L. Smith Foundation, City of Tucson Wards V & VI, Community Foundation for Southern Arizona and the Friends Of Odaiko Sonora.

Arigatou gozaimasu!