Omiyage Class Weeks 8, 9, and 10 - Student Perspective

For the past few weeks, Jen Baik, LATI Coach and Professional Taiko player, has been guiding the class through Omiyage while providing exercises to help us memorize the piece and improve as taiko players. She has been doing a great job preparing us for the LATI Dama Evaluation during PEAC Week, or the last week of class. Each student has the option to complete a small evaluation that tests how well we know the piece and ability to play sections. Although it sounds intimidating, I’m finding it to be a great opportunity push myself and learn Omiyage. There is also no limit on how many times you can redo the evaluation or time frame in which it needs to be completed. I’m excited at the chance to receive my first LATI Dama!

In the first week of coaching, I unfortunately got the flu. Thankfully Ze Sen Wong, a fellow classmate, was kind enough to record the lesson. Here is his featured paragraph:

“Coaching weeks with Jen Baik the great (Kris called her that) started! Since we just finished learning the piece from Yuta, we spent most of our time reviewing and refining the different sections of the piece. We drilled the rubber band concept alternating between right and left hits and this is always helpful because it is an important part of the overall Omiyage form. We also reviewed the A extended section and practiced slowing down while listening to the shime part which was challenging but very cool when we got it. Jen also helped us improve our timing for the B section in terms of when to shift our balance and when to prepare our arms for the twirling motions. We had some time at the end to try soloing for Omiyage and I enjoyed listening to everyone's ideas. Overall, it was a very productive session because it helped me fill some gaps in my playing and improve my ability to practice this piece. I'm looking forward to the next few (final) practices!!”

I was able to return to class for week 9 and 10, where Jen continued to guide the class through Omiyage. Jen is great at identifying specific parts we need to practice while taking into account our comments and feedback of areas we feel are important to practice as well. I feel much more confident on the most difficult parts of the piece and movements. Jen uses a metronome to help keep time while she plays as an example or watches to give individual feedback. We have also been getting class time to develop a solo and play many repetitions of the entire piece. I feel every week Jen shows me something new and constructive to concentrate on - I really need to make my bachi twirls start higher above my head, my homework for the week!

Like Ze Sen, I’m also looking forward to the last coaching practice with Jen and what PEAC Week as in store for the class.