Odaiko Sonora 2nd Spring '09
From left: Sakura blossoms at Tokyo's Imperial Palace; Shidara Residency participants (Karen kneeling ctr) by the river in Toei-cho, Aichi Prefecture, Japan; Van Buskirk Elementary students perform for friends and family after a 10-week Arizona Commission in the Arts supported after school program; the Lumie awards are May 7 at the Temple of Music & Art.
Booming, Blooming & Looming
This past Sunday, we helped launch this year's Race for the Cure at Reid Park. It was a deeply touching experience. Almost everyone knows someone whose life has been affected by breast cancer. For Odaiko Sonora members, it was a joyful moment as one of our most senior members celebrated her own survivorship through the big drums and the race.
Karen just returned from a two week taiko residency in Japan with Shidara. This is the first time Odaiko Sonora has been able to send a member to Japan for training, and we're certain our audiences will benefit from the knowledge she's brought home. You can see videos and photos of her experience at Shidara's YouTube and MySpace pages. There's also a Facebook page for Odaiko Sonora and a group for the Shidara Residency Vets.
Be sure and mark Thursday, May 7 on your calendars for this year's' "Lumies," the Tucson Pima Arts & Business Awards. The awards ceremony will take place at the beautiful Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott, with festivities beginning at 6pm. As last year's winner in the Emerging Arts Organization category, Odaiko Sonora will perform at 7pm to launch the ceremonies. Read about it and reserve your ticket at http://www.tucsonpimaartscouncil.org.
If you're out shopping tomorrow, come by the 17th Street Market and watch us shake merchandise off the walls and shelves! (Hopefully not, but it happens sometimes). We'll be doing three 15 minute sets between noon and 2pm. For information and directions, visit http://news.treasureshidden.com.
Arigatou gozaimasu!
Classes
Summer Circus Camp
June 1–13; two 5-day sessions; ages 7–11, 8am–noon; age 12+, 12:30–4pm
Aerial silks, stilts, festive dance and banging on big drums... what more could your child (or inner child) want to do this June? $150 per week includes snacks; $25 stilt rental fee not included. Space is limited! See http://tucsoncircusarts.com/news-events for complete info. Email tucsoncircusarts@gmail.com to enroll.
Youth Taiko Group
Wednesdays, 4:15–5:30pm.
For ages 12–young adult. Participants will learn the rudiments of Japanese ensemble drumming, including basic terms, dojo etiquette, and historical, cultural and spiritual contexts of taiko drumming. Emphasis will be on coordination, focus, creativity, and playing together as a team. $50/month, scholarships available. Email rome@tucsontaiko.org for info
Taiko 'tweens
Thursdays 5:30pm–6:30pm. 4 week sessions.
For ages 7–11. Participants will learn the rudiments of Japanese ensemble drumming. Emphasis will be on having fun and playing together as a team. $40, scholarships and family rates available. Email zippy@tucsontaiko.org for date next session begins.
Drop in Sessions
Fridays 3pm–4:15pm. ongoing by appt.
You know you've always wanted to try taiko. This is a free session. Call (520) 481-8003 so we know to expect you.
For information on other summer programming and performances, email karen@tucsontaiko.org
Upcoming Appearances
Apr 28 & May 1: Senita Valley Elementary mini-residency
May 2: Parent Aide Child Abuse Prevention Fundraiser at Pima Air & Space Museum
Tucson-Pima Library Presentations:
May 23, 2pm Himmel Park Library
May 30, 11am Wilmot Library
June 6, 2pm Nanini Library
June 19, 2pm Sahuarita Chambers
June 27, 2pm Mission Library
June 13: Rhythm Industry Performance Factory Review
Jun 24, 25: Mt. Turnbull Academy, Apache Reservation mini-residency, Douglas, AZ