Pictures from our farewell to Rika and also Kimi.
Photographer: Armin

FROM LARA - 2005 SCHOOLS TOUR REPORT.

The Taiko Schools Tour 2005 is finally over and it was an incredible success - according to all, Taiko Drum's professionalism and skill was of the highest quality, surpassing that of the numerous international and interstate acts that have visited over the years. Comments like these were consistent and sincere. In one particular performance the students off their own bat chanted 'we want more' in unison - regardless that we had already eaten into recess time.

Special recognition and thanks to Yyan, Josh, Rikako, Lesli, Kimi, and Maria for their commitment and energy over the numerous performances attended - the schedule was often packed, highly demanding and tiring but they did not falter. Thanks to Tyler, Eric, Jacinta, Mari-anna, Jason and Jill for managing to attend the performances they did - their attendance was valuable and appreciated.

All trials and obstacles on the tour were well dealt with well by the resilient drummers, and all hearty food and beverages well consumed - especially after a day of intense school (and beach) visits! The tour offered attendees an opportunity to develop closer relationships with each other, enhancing the strong level of comfort and warmth already a characteristic of Taiko Drum.

Special appreciation to Lesli, Maria, Simon and Keryn for their consistent and crucial assistance. Thanks to Steph for organising media coverage in the North.

Taiko Drum visited and conducted intensive evening workshops with the Burnie Taiko Group 'Hikaru' - this 20-odd strong group are enthusiastic, dedicated and healthily loco - just like the Hobart drummers! In 3 workshops the group managed to learn Matsuri and Synko rhythms in preparation for their Christmas pageant and their level of confidence and skill tripled. Impressed with their commendable determination and warm hospitality, I forsee the January drumming exchanges with Burnie to be fabulous.

Bookings for 2006 are already filtering in, with numerous bookings already made for the North East Coast. Keep the Tour 2006 in mind - its an experience not to be missed!

Submitted by Lara

During Make Poverty History concert, Parliament House Lawns, Hobart, 11 December.

Pictures from before the Make Poverty History event - Parliament House Lawns, 11 December.

East Coast schools tour again - I assure you we didn't spend all of our time at the beach! (click to enlarge)

East Coast schools tour - Click to enlarge - If you didn't come you missed a fabulous time!

Drum making - Clamping.

Drum making - Punching holes in leather

New pictures from recent Loud World event. Photographer: Jacinta, using Armin's camera.

Art Lee coming to Tasmania soon!
Click here to download a brochure with full information.

Our trip to Japan has come and gone, with a whirlwind of activity and a lot of new friends made and old ones re-discovered. Art Lee is a fantastic teacher and we all learned heaps from him. We are hoping to get him to come to Tasmania soon so that all of our members can benefit from his teaching. Meanwhile, our busy schedule goes on, and we have just elected a new commitee, who are keen to get Taiko going even more, if that is possible!