“Taiko is a highlight of my life”
Explore what Tetsu Taiko from North Lincolnshire have been doing since September 2015.
Tetsu Taiko in Scunthorpe consists of two groups, First Taiko (for young people aged 8-11) and Youth Taiko for those 11+ with more experience. In September 2015-July 2016 both groups have dramatically improved their skills and performed all over the local area.
“It's a great place to learn about new kinds of Taiko. If you like noise, you like Taiko! It's the only musical instrument I learn.” Isabel, aged 12
“I think it's amazing that we get to do this. It's a great thing to wake up to on a Saturday. It's the best type of music ever!” Bailey, aged 10
Tetsu Youth Taiko came into the new term in September following their debut performance at the UK Taiko Festival, feeling very proud of their achievements https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74zmAcHjyGc. The main performance in Autumn 2015 was ‘Taiko Night’ at the Grimsby Auditorium. Tetsu Youth learned and performed a piece by Mugenkyo called ‘Iki Iki’ which has two complimenting split parts. Taiko Night featured groups from across North and North East Lincolnshire, and a performance from Kagemusha Taiko, which gave members the opportunity to be inspired by their peers and professional musicians. One young person even performed onstage with Kagemusha in the finale, which was an excellent experience.
The spring term focused on learning a more challenging piece to improve the skill level. ‘Ready, Set, KaDON!’ was a piece the group had seen being performed at the UK Taiko Festival and called for advanced skills regarding stick control, dynamics and memorisation. Everyone knew from the first rehearsal that it was going to be a long journey of learning! The next performance was at the North Lincolnshire Music Hub concert, held at Frederick Gough School, but ‘Ready, Set, KaDON’ wasn’t quite ‘ready’, so the group chose to re-run previous pieces, leaving them maximum time to work on the new challenge. The group also performed at S-Con in April 2016 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FLoNPS6gpI
Summer term was dominated by learning ‘Ready, Set, KaDON!’ and another piece, ‘Kitsune’ which was choreographically challenging. The group rehearsed both to create a set for a concert at The Baths Hall in Scunthorpe. The groups’ ethos is now very evident, they have formed a lot of friendships within the group and enjoy socialising at the beginning of each session. They are also very welcoming to newcomers, especially those transitioning from First to Youth Taiko. One member of Tetsu First began attending Tetsu Youth but really lacked confidence in her abilities, but the rest of the group really encourage her and made the transition much easier.
“Performing Taiko has made me more confident. I can really see progress being made this term.” Leeta, aged 13
The Baths Hall event was a great success performing ‘Ready, Set, KaDON!’ with a lot of energy and power. After such a long time learning the piece, they really enjoyed performing it.
“It feels like this has been the best term so far. Playing Ready Set KaDON has been a real challenge but has really improved the skills of the group.” India, aged 15
Overall, this year has seen the group dramatically improve their skills as Taiko players and ensemble members. The group feel proud of their achievements and can see the improvement in their Taiko skills this year.
“We feel lucky to have this - it gives you something to do when you are bored. You can play Taiko anywhere! I practice on pillows, my home made drum, literally everywhere.” Grace, aged 14
The next term is looking even more exciting for these young people, with the first Humber Taiko Festival in November 2016. For more information, visit humbertaiko.org or connect on Humber Taiko and North Lincolnshire Arts Development social media pages.