THE KAORU WATANABE TAIKO CENTER preserves, teaches, and promotes various styles of taiko (Japanese drumming) and fue (bamboo flutes), shares elements of Japanese music and culture with students and creates a community among taiko players, musicians, and others.
Taiko has roots both as a living folk art and in classical traditions; and the music and associated choreography has evolved to be used in many forms ranging from grassroots community celebrations to sophisticated jazz compositions. In Japan, there are many local festivals which for generation after generation have featured taiko. These can serve as a profound means for building energy, unifying groups of people, and inspiring individuals to push their own limits in creating something greater for a community.
