San Fernando Valley Taiko

On Sunday, current and past members of SFVT gathered one last time to celebrate the years of SFVT. We are closing our doors as a taiko group at this time.

Co-founders, Reid and Eryn, started not only a group that brought us taiko, but a group that became a family. We will miss seeing everyone every Sunday!

SFVT Student Highlight for November: Shannon

Shannon is spearheading the project for designing our new performance uniforms. She took a breather after to class to talk to us.

SFVT: How long have you been studying taiko?
Shannon: I started classes 2 months before the COVID shutdown, then started up again when classes resumed the end of this summer.

SFVT: How did you become interested in taiko?
Shannon: In high school, I was part of band for a while. I played [auxilliary] percussion for the drum line. Each year the drum line team participates in a competition. One year, they brought in taiko drums and worked them into the competition performance. One of the parents makes taiko drums. I thought the taiko drums were amazing and I was fascinated by them. And, we won the competition that year, too!

SFVT: Why do you like taiko?
Shannon: Taiko is cool! I love the rhythm, the energy and the bass. The communication of energy and power that comes from the drums. I love how it resonates.

SFVT: What other interests do you have besides taiko?
Shannon: I enjoy different kinds of crafts. I have tried sculpting. I have done origami and have had the goal of making 1,000 cranes. Lately, I have been doing a lot of needle felting, making mostly animals and small figures. I also play video games. Recently I have been playing Animal Crossing

Happy Halloween from SFV Taiko!

SFV Taiko Student Highlight for October: Ethan

Ethan is currently a high school senior and is busy preparing his college applications. We caught up with him after class today.

SFVT: How long have you been studying taiko?
Ethan: I think about 2 years. I lose track of time.

SFVT: How did you become interested in taiko?
Ethan: Originally, my mom signed me up for class, but I did not have a lot of interest. But as time went on, I found that I really liked the rhythm and playing rhythms on the drums. Now I really like it.

SFVT: Why do you like taiko?
Ethan: I never seriously studied playing an instrument before. I didn’t think I was good at musical rhythm, but it turns out that I am and I have been taken by that. With that in mind, I think that if I would be good at any instrument, it would be drums, and here I am playing taiko.

SFVT: What other interests do you have, aside from taiko?
Ethan: I like video games. There are no specific games that stand out as a favorite for me though. But I used to play a lot of Undertale, which shaped and influenced my perspectives and thinking, considering consequences of actions. I’m also starting to learn tennis. At school, I am part of the Broadcast Club, where we make shows for the school, news programs, podcasts. I recently accepted a leadership role in the Club and will be leading the Club into new additional directions.

SFVT is beginning a series to highlight one of our students each month. Get to know our members and who we are!

This month, we spoke to Susan. Last year, Susan became a proud first time grandmother. She cherishes the time she spends with her family above all. She doesn't sit still and is always learning and pursuing her passions. "My life is full. Time speeds by and you can't get it back." So Susan wastes no time with idle hands.

SFVT: How long have you been studying taiko?
Susan: I started in March 2019. On my one year taiko anniversary, I made a cake to share with the class. Right after that, we shut down for Covid. Glad to be back after 18 months.

SFVT: How did you become interested in taiko?
Susan: My mother worked for Toyota USA and we participated in all the festivals and I was introduced to Japanese culture.

SFVT: Why do you like taiko?
Susan: Percussion has always resonated with me. Decades had passed and finally the time and place to take up taiko happened, and here I am. I found SFVT and I really connected with Reid [our instructor] and the other members of the class. A long time dream was finally fulfilled!

SFVT: What other interests do you have, aside from taiko:
Susan: I have been a serious student of flamenco dancing for the past 12 years and counting. Much like taiko, flamenco is about percussion, only my body is the drum.

We had a great time this weekend, welcoming new students and welcoming back our returning students.

Ready to learn taiko? Now is the perfect time! After a long pandemic hiatus, we are back, in-person on the drums! We will be accepting new students starting Sunday, June 27, 2021. Beginner class is Sundays, 10:00 am to 11:30 am.

The opportunity to join in as a new student only happens twice a year (during July and January), so don't miss out! First class is free.

Questions? Email us at: [email protected].

We are so excited to be back on the drums with in-person classes!

Thank you to all our supporters who have made our mask fundraiser to support the SFV Japanese American Community Center a success! Please know that your contribution has made a difference to our community.

If you ordered a mask, we would love to see you wearing it! Post a photo and tag us Fernando Valley Taiko.

Here's the first photo of one if our supporters:
"We LOVE our masks, they are so comfortable. Thank you."

We are safer at home, but that has not stopped our taiko spirit!