Taiko Drumming
With Dr. Andrew Pastor
Taiko (太鼓) is the Japanese term for drum - though, in the American context we use the term to refer to a performance style (Kumi-daiko,組太鼓, literally 'set of drums') that dates back to the 1950’s when early performing groups such as Ondekoza and Kodo, took drums that had historically been used in mostly religious or militaristic contexts and put them on stage. Taiko first came to the US in 1968 when Grandmaster Seiichi Tanaka created the SF Taiko Dojo which nearly all American Taiko dojos can trace their lineage to - including Sonoma County Taiko!
In 1995 Arn Shimizu founded Sonoma County Taiko (SCT), after attending classes at SF Taiko Dojo, and the dojo has provided an inclusive home for North Bay Taiko drummers since. Today, SCT performs regularly throughout our community including at schools, cultural, and private events, and regional Taiko shows.
Dr. Pastor with SCT at Santa Rosa Matsuri, 2023
About the Artist
My name is Andrew Pastor, I'm a current R3 at Sutter Santa Rosa FM resident. I first got involved with percussion playing Marimba and drums in High School marching band and drumline. I had always had reverence for Taiko (mostly from legendary Kodo videos like this) and as a transfer student at UC Berkeley, I had the opportunity to find a musical home with Cal Raijin Taiko. Playing with Raijin, I fell in love with the artistry, cultural depth, and collaborative nature of practicing and performing Taiko. Nearly 10 years later, I find myself still finding community (outside of work) in Taiko as I've had the honor and pleasure to grow with Sonoma County Taiko through the last three years of residency. I continue to find great joy performing with SCT and over the last year have taught regular family classes.
At our workshop we’ll explore the diversity of Taiko drums, learn the fundamentals of Taiko drumming and dive into a song all together. Zero musical experience is necessary - come as you are (in comfortable clothes). I'm excited to share our love of Taiko!
Andrew Pastor, MD