Elaine Fong   is the founder and artistic director of Odaiko New England, one of the few taiko groups based in Massachusetts.   She has over twenty-five years of taiko performance, teaching and administrative experience.   Elaine has created compositions for Odaiko New England.   In addition to taiko, Elaine has over ten years of dance training, and often collaborates with choreographers and theatre ensembles.   She is a former member and currently honorary member of the New York taiko group, Soh Daiko.   She has been the interim general manager of San Jose Taiko.   Elaine has received taiko instruction from renowned taiko master drummers from California, Hawaii, and Japan.   She is also a certified TaKeTiNa rhythm instructor at the basic level.

At the "Happen'ns"  this workshop is a powerful event:

Taiko Drumming, the Heartbeat of Japan - Voice, Rhythm, and Movement:

Taiko is the Japanese word for drum, and also refers to the art form as well.   It is often said that taiko is more than just music: it is mind, body and spirit.   Experience first hand the powerful voice of the taiko, as participants unite their collective energies in voice, movement and drumming to create a unified kumi daiko (ensemble drumming) sound, that is more than the sum of its parts.   At this workshop, you will be introduced to the exciting world of taiko drumming.   You will learn the taiko drum language, basic taiko kata (form), and how to use your voice and your entire body to play taiko.   You will connect your Ki (energy) with the energy of mother earth and to the ki of your women drummers.

Want to know more about taiko?...check out  Elaine N. Fong  at Odaiko New England!