INADANI - A Chance of a Lifetime
Donation protected
What is Taiko?
Discipline. Heart. Soul. Rhythm.
Taiko drumming has been a part of Japanese culture for centuries. In some ways, taiko can represent the people and history of Japan thus, making it an integral part of the country.
In the 60's, taiko migrated from Japan to the United States. A movement was born and ever since, taiko drumming has become a fast growing, exciting performance art that captures the attention of anyone who hears and sees this wonderful art in person.
How did I start?
My journey with taiko began in 2007 when I saw a youth taiko group from New Orleans perform for our Buddhist temple. I was hooked. I then met with drummers from south Florida to experience my first taste of taiko drumming. The intensity and sheer enjoyment of being able to play with a group really lit a fire in my soul to continue learning and playing.
I then met sensei Takemasa Ishikura in Orlando, FL and asked if I may begin learning taiko from him. He graciously agreed and has since been my teacher, friend and father figure. I am indebted to him and his family for their sincere generosity to give their knowledge of taiko drumming to the local community. For without their kindness, I surely would have not been able to continue pursuing this most enthralling art.
Now, after almost 8 years of performing, learning and growing, I am at a point where my ambitions have grown to another level.
What is My Mission?
In order to fully grasp the knowledge and history as well as gaining insight to other forms of the art, it is important to take some time to study in the place where the art was born.
Art Lee of Wadaiko Tokara is hosting a taiko drumming course in Japan towards the end of June, 2015. This opportunity to learn new aspects of taiko in Japan is one that cannot be passed up. Information on this course can be found here: INADANI - Taiko Drumming Course
My future lies as a taiko practitioner with the ambitions of one day opening a school of my own. I have come to understand that there is a point along my journey where I must take chances. These chances are to broaden my horizons and gain valuable experience and skill from many sources. This training is one of those chances.
Having the opportunity to attend this course will help me to become a better-rounded practitioner, teacher, and performer. It will also allow me the chance to become one with the birthplace of taiko. For years, it has been my dream to simply visit Japan. Now, I have a chance to visit and continue to learn what I have come to love so much.
How can You Help?
Being a college student, I have to live on a student budget. The cost of the course and airfare is far beyond the budget that I have allotted to myself.
With that said, however, I am currently working two part-time jobs and intend to cover as much of the costs as possible. Unfortunately, the full cost exceeds what I am capable of spending at this time.
With the help of friends, family, other drummers in the taiko community I hope that I can see this dream come true. Your contributions will go towards the cost of:
- Airfare (approx. $2500 USD)
- Food (excluding breakfasts for 7 nights)
- Course tuition & Hotel (¥100,775 JPY = $866 USD)
- Transfer Services (bus, train, taxi, etc.)
Click here for more information about course fees: INADANI - Course Fees
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope it has explained my intentions and that you may see an opportunity to help with my future aspirations and goals. If you decide to help make a dream become a reality, know that I will be eternally grateful.
Thank you for your support!
-Jason S.
*If there are additional funds left over from this fundraiser, I intend to save them to help cover the cost of opening a school in the future. The funds will go into a savings account dedicated to providing a taiko school for others to learn taiko drumming and create value within their communities.
Discipline. Heart. Soul. Rhythm.
Taiko drumming has been a part of Japanese culture for centuries. In some ways, taiko can represent the people and history of Japan thus, making it an integral part of the country.
In the 60's, taiko migrated from Japan to the United States. A movement was born and ever since, taiko drumming has become a fast growing, exciting performance art that captures the attention of anyone who hears and sees this wonderful art in person.
How did I start?
My journey with taiko began in 2007 when I saw a youth taiko group from New Orleans perform for our Buddhist temple. I was hooked. I then met with drummers from south Florida to experience my first taste of taiko drumming. The intensity and sheer enjoyment of being able to play with a group really lit a fire in my soul to continue learning and playing.
I then met sensei Takemasa Ishikura in Orlando, FL and asked if I may begin learning taiko from him. He graciously agreed and has since been my teacher, friend and father figure. I am indebted to him and his family for their sincere generosity to give their knowledge of taiko drumming to the local community. For without their kindness, I surely would have not been able to continue pursuing this most enthralling art.
Now, after almost 8 years of performing, learning and growing, I am at a point where my ambitions have grown to another level.
What is My Mission?
In order to fully grasp the knowledge and history as well as gaining insight to other forms of the art, it is important to take some time to study in the place where the art was born.
Art Lee of Wadaiko Tokara is hosting a taiko drumming course in Japan towards the end of June, 2015. This opportunity to learn new aspects of taiko in Japan is one that cannot be passed up. Information on this course can be found here: INADANI - Taiko Drumming Course
My future lies as a taiko practitioner with the ambitions of one day opening a school of my own. I have come to understand that there is a point along my journey where I must take chances. These chances are to broaden my horizons and gain valuable experience and skill from many sources. This training is one of those chances.
Having the opportunity to attend this course will help me to become a better-rounded practitioner, teacher, and performer. It will also allow me the chance to become one with the birthplace of taiko. For years, it has been my dream to simply visit Japan. Now, I have a chance to visit and continue to learn what I have come to love so much.
How can You Help?
Being a college student, I have to live on a student budget. The cost of the course and airfare is far beyond the budget that I have allotted to myself.
With that said, however, I am currently working two part-time jobs and intend to cover as much of the costs as possible. Unfortunately, the full cost exceeds what I am capable of spending at this time.
With the help of friends, family, other drummers in the taiko community I hope that I can see this dream come true. Your contributions will go towards the cost of:
- Airfare (approx. $2500 USD)
- Food (excluding breakfasts for 7 nights)
- Course tuition & Hotel (¥100,775 JPY = $866 USD)
- Transfer Services (bus, train, taxi, etc.)
Click here for more information about course fees: INADANI - Course Fees
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope it has explained my intentions and that you may see an opportunity to help with my future aspirations and goals. If you decide to help make a dream become a reality, know that I will be eternally grateful.
Thank you for your support!
-Jason S.
*If there are additional funds left over from this fundraiser, I intend to save them to help cover the cost of opening a school in the future. The funds will go into a savings account dedicated to providing a taiko school for others to learn taiko drumming and create value within their communities.
Organizer
Jason Seymore
Organizer
Sanford, FL
