In middle school, I was lucky enough to sit right in front of the percussion section being a trumpet player. That was just how we were arranged in my advanced band class. I say lucky, because I like percussion instruments, of curse back then it was mostly the listening that I liked since banging on anything generally pissed my Mom off (although how I got to be a trumpet player instead of a clarinet like I wanted is a story for a different day). Anyway, I loved it and I love listening to drums. I can't even pick between bass, timpani, and snare, which is my favorite.
So when we went to the Perry Street Fair a couple years ago and stumbled on the Spokane Taiko drummers I was even more excited! I love Taiko drums! That's where we first saw the group. The second place we saw them was at KuroNekoCon last year. They were doing a demo and letting people try. I got really shy and didn't go up but Amanda and Marilyn did. And they had contact info if you wanted to go practice with them. We did of course! However, we didn't get to it until last night.
The group is small and full of really nice people who are very welcoming. There's a sort of hesitancy I picked up from them and I think it is they are waiting to see if this was a one time thing for us or are we hooked and going to stay? I'm hooked, if they will let me play, I'm there! They want and need more people so they can play other songs. And they aren't bitchy about when I messed up. And I do mess up. I may be a little ambidextrous but I am left hand dominant, so I lead with my left hand. Most parts in Taiko lead with the right hand, so switching is something I will have to get used to. What I found interesting is for the parts that you're supposed to lead with the left hand, I switch to my right. *facepalm* Also, I have got to get used to extending my arms. I've spent so much time trying to make myself as small as possible so I am not in anyone's way, that having my arms out and doing certain motions, is kind of scary. I'll get there. I told Amanda that we need to make a practice drum. the group had some made of big round buckets and clear packing tape. That's a really good idea! Of course when I got online to look up prices on Bachi Sticks (the drum sticks) I found a kid's toy taiko drum for super cheap. So, I don't know which I will use, the cost to make might be slightly cheaper. And the Bachi sticks are reasonable. There are, of course, some that are super expensive, but I don't need something like that.
Also, you wouldn't think drumming would be as motion involved, but it is. Standing a certain way and different motions, especially ones you aren't used to- my back was trying to seize up during the practice last night. And strangely, the arches in my feet were giving me grief. Amanda and I came home already hurting. I ended up falling asleep watching a movie and it was hell trying to get myself up and then upstairs to bed. Today sucks but still worth it.
Here's a video of a Spokane Taiko performance.
