Joe Small Workshop - Introduction to Odaiko Solo

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2014
Time: 2pm-5pm
Price: $40

Interested in learning and experiencing more about Odaiko (big-drum) soloing? Great!
Intrigued-yet-intimidated by the size and sound of the Odaiko? Not to worry!
This workshop will help you come away with better understanding and greater confidence for playing odaiko in a solo or group setting! Using a combination of practice patterns and rhythms from an original piece, the workshop will 1. break down the basic kata of seitaigamae, or odaiko form, and 2. impart an awareness of the capabilities of the odaiko beyond that of just 'loud, overwhelming sound'. I'll be teaching with specific regard to the methods of pioneering solo artist and odaiko solo progenitor, Eitetsu Hayashi.

Recommended levels: Beginner to Intermediate (Advanced players curious about Eitetsu-style methods are welcome to apply)

Date: 
Saturday, November 15, 2014 - 14:00 to 17:00
Room: 
Large Classroom
Facilitator: 
Joe Small
Biography: 
Joe Small's passion for taiko began as a Swarthmore College dance major in 2002, leading him to receive formal instruction under Kenny Endo at Taiko Center of the Pacific, intern with San Jose Taiko and Portland Taiko, and study abroad at Tokyo's Tamagawa University where he performed with their taiko-dance group Following graduation, he became a Fulbright Fellow to Japan to research taiko and choreography (2005-2006), a Kodo Apprentice (2007-2009), as well as a member of Taikoza (2009-2010). In 2012 Joe began an apprenticeship under Eitetsu Hayashi, including another two-year period in Japan where he toured and performed as a member of his professional ensemble, Fu-Un no Kai. Since returning to the USA in 2014, he pursues an MFA in dance at UCLA's World Arts and Cultures/Dance Department, focusing on the intersection of contemporary dance and taiko.