Odaiko Sonora Summer '09

From left: Students at Senita Valley Elementary school learn about taiko; Karen acquires new skills in Japan; Flam Chen monitors stilts safety at our 1st Rhythm Industry Circus Camp; Our studio's quarterly review will feature camp graduates this Saturday, June 13, 7pm–10pm.

Join the Circus!

Kid and families have been the focus of our season, with a Parent Aid fundraiser, a Parents' Day event for the Southern Arizona Korean Association, an appearance at Parent College on Access Tucson, the launch of a series of free summer library presentations, and the completion of our 1st Annual Rhythm Industry Circus Camp. Join us Saturday, June 13 from 7pm to 10pm as the quarterly Rhythm Industry Review features our camp graduates on stilts, spinning poi, doing ballet, taiko and aerial silks!

Act Now! We think kids should have access to art and arts education. Not only do the arts increase students' academic performance, the arts build problem-solving skills, self-esteem and even help to decrease crime! If you agree that we all need art, please email or call your elected ASAP. The currently proposed budget from the Senate is devastating to both current arts programs and crippling to our future.

Key components include:

• Sweeping the remaining nearly $15 million from Arizona ArtShare after taking $5 million earlier this year. This is money that has been painstakingly saved for over 12 years as a promised match to private investors in arts endowments statewide.

• Cutting Arizona Commission on the Arts appropriations by more than 70% after cutting $437,000 earlier this year. That doesn’t even leave enough to match requirements for Federal funding, which would also be lost.

More than 50,000 jobs are at risk as are arts education programs that serve more than 1.7 million of our children, not to mention the loss of critical grant dollars to hundreds of arts and cultural organizations statewide already reeling from the current economy.

It is imperative that we take action NOW.

• Call or email your State Senators and tell them how incredibly disappointed you are with a vote that will wreak havoc on the Arizona Arts Industry and your community.

• Contact your State Representatives and ask them to find the courage to vote NO on the budget.
We need your help and so does every arts organization in Arizona!

Tell your Legislators about specific programs in your area and how important they are to your community’s quality of life and economic development. Tell them specifically how the arts have touched you, your family and your neighbors. Ask your Legislators to protect the arts in Arizona!

Please! Take Action

Arigatou gozaimasu!

Classes

Taiko 'tweens
Thursdays 5:30pm–6:30pm. 4 week sessions starting July 16
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
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 Events

June 19, 2pm: Sahuarita Chambers
June 13, 7–10pm: Rhythm Industry Performance Factory Review
June 20: Paolo Soleri's 90th Birthday celebration at Arcosanti, site-specific performance with Flam Chen
June 24, 25: Mt. Turnbull Academy, Apache Reservation mini-residency, Douglas, AZ
June 27, 2pm: Mission Library
July 27–31: Fenster Ranch Camp