The powerful sounds of traditional taiko drums will soon fill the Crump Theatre as the Southern Indiana Taiko performance group, along with special guests, showcase their talent on Sunday at 2 p.m.
Founded in 2015 by director Gail Nowels, the Southern Indiana Taiko performance group is a non-profit dedicated to preserving and promoting the Japanese art of taiko drumming. Their mission includes hosting performances and educational programs to celebrate cultural diversity. Nowels, who was introduced to taiko nearly 20 years ago, describes it as a dynamic, theatrical form of drumming that incorporates synchronized movement and vocal expression.
The organization offers various instructional classes for different age groups and skill levels. These include a children’s class, an adult and teen class, and a new “Silver Class” designed for older individuals, those with limitations, or people living with Parkinson’s disease. The performance group regularly participates in events such as Ethnic Expo and Oktoberfest, as well as performing for schools, businesses, libraries, and cultural events. Currently, they are involved in a school program supported by a grant from the Indiana Arts Commission and Columbus Area Arts Council.
The upcoming concert will feature the Southern Indiana Taiko performance group, alongside the Junior Thunder Class, a group of advanced students who have been with the ensemble for some time. The concert will also include taiko professionals Mark Rooney and Eddie Yates, thanks to funding from Arts Midwest.
Rooney, known as “the world’s most dangerous half-Japanese/half-Scottish solo improvisational taiko artist,” teaches taiko in Washington D.C. as well as in after-school programs and at colleges. Yates, who teaches in Cincinnati, was the first Westerner invited to perform with Aska Gumi, a renowned Japanese drum troupe in Japan. Both Rooney and Yates will bring their groups to perform at the event.
While Yates has collaborated with the Southern Indiana Taiko group in the past, including teaching them several times a year, Nowels says this will be the first time they will perform with Rooney. The group is eager to share the stage with these world-class drummers and perform at the Crump Theatre.
“It’s an incredibly powerful, exciting, and fun art form,” Nowels explained. “Taiko drumming is a full-body experience, and once the drums start, you can feel it deep within your soul. It’s not only healing but a thrilling experience to watch, seeing people drum in unison and move together.”
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