Sonya was born in Japan and raised in California, Colorado, and Arizona, where she’s spent her adult life. She has a bachelor’s in zoology and doctorate in veterinary medicine, and recently retired after 35 years of veterinary practice. Sonya joined Odaiko Sonora in 2004, performing, composing, helping lead classes and group practices, and co-teaching OMA Taiko and TaikoMIND residencies at local and rural AZ elementary schools. A flute player since grade school, Sonya has applied that knowledge to fue (bamboo flute) and is Odaiko Sonora’s lead fue player. Sonya has two grown children and is grandparent to two adorable little boys, who are growing up with a great sense of rhythm!