SAN JOSE TAIKO GROUP INC
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Mission Statement
Connecting people through cultural understanding, creative expression, and rhythmic heartbeat. San Jose Taiko is committed to the advancing the taiko art form by evolving and raising the visibility of SJT's unique style and philosophy around the world.
About This Cause
Taiko is the Japanese word for drum. In North America, this term is used to describe both the Japanese drum itself and the art form of kumidaiko (ensemble drumming with Japanese drums). Throughout San Jose Taiko’s 50+ year history it has always considered itself to be a contemporary ensemble, taking inspiration from the Japanese roots of taiko but also drawing from other influences of music and movement to create a distinct style that many have deemed “dancing with drums”. Known for our synchronized choreography, eclectic musicality, and joyful spirit, SJT performances and instruction are sought throughout the world by taiko fans and practitioners alike. Central to our artistic vision is a deep commitment to sharing our culture and music with people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds in a diverse range of local, regional, national, and international communities. Since its inception, SJT has been dedicated to advancing the taiko art form through (1) innovative compositions and productions reflective of its membership, (2) increasing the general public's knowledge of taiko and its root culture, and (3) developing the depth and breadth of skills within the ever-expanding taiko community. SJT's core programming achieves its mission through three major modules: Performances, including Collaborations, Youth & Adult Education, and Professional Training. Ancillary programming includes Online Outreach. Utilizing the powerful sound of the taiko, SJT reaches an annual audience of over 74,000 through our performance, educational, and training programs. Over the course of our history, we have introduced taiko to over 1.5 million people. Performances entertain and mesmerize, while workshops and classes educate and allow participants to experience the taiko firsthand. Throughout all of our programming we are striving to empower and build communities. We are San Jose - Taiko. Born and bred here in Silicon Valley, it is this community that inspires and sustains us, solidifying our dedication to our mission of advancing the taiko art form to increase cultural awareness and understanding. PERFORMANCES: (1) Bay Area Performances - SJT performs at over 50 performances at civic and cultural events throughout the region, reaching almost 22,000. (2) Home Season Concert - SJT's biennial concert series showcases new works and debuts new performing members to almost 1,200 attendees. (3) Touring Program - The professional ensemble tours nationally and internationally 3-5 weeks annually, reaching approximately 28,000 through concerts and residency activities. (4) Collaborations - working with artists within and beyond the taiko genre to reach new audiences and develop SJT performers. Recent local collaborators include The Bangerz (DJ crew), Anticlockwise Arts (digital artist collective), and Abhinaya Dance Company of San Jose (traditional Bharatanatyam dance). YOUTH EDUCATION: (1) School Outreach Program - SJT conducts presentations for all grade levels, to introduce the taiko art form to students. In this current fiscal year, SJT will have conducted 43 school outreach assemblies at 28 schools for over 22,000 Bay Area youth. (2) Junior Taiko - 70+ students, ages 8-18. (3) Summer Taiko at Stanford Camp is a week-long introductory course for 24 students in the greater Bay Area, ages 9-14 year old. ADULT EDUCATION: (1) Workshops/Master Classes - offered to the general public and taiko practitioners around the country reaching an average of over 250 participants throughout the year. SJT offers 6 Public Workshops to general public and up to 20 private workshops for music programs, corporations, and family events each year. (2) Adult Recreational Classes - almost 50 participants in three 8-week sessions annually. (3) Senior Programs - SJT offers two recreational classes specifically for seniors providing physical exercise and mental stimulation for over 20 seniors per year. PROFESSIONAL TRAINING: (1) Residencies for SJT performers - SJT brings in notable artists within and beyond the taiko field to work with our performers as part of their ongoing training and to broaden their compositional inspiration. (2) Audition Program - most comprehensive taiko training program in the U.S. Draws 8-12 applicants from across the nation/abroad each year to audition for SJT’s performing company. (3) Taiko Weekend Intensives - three-day workshops for taiko practitioners from around the world that focus on different aspects of taiko playing and performance, reaching 36 taiko players each year. ONLINE OUTREACH: SJT's website, Facebook Fanpage, Twitter, and YouTube Channel provide up-to-date information about activities and context to our programming.