Fushicho Daiko, Phoenix Drummers wants to share the unforgettable experience of taiko drumming with you. Regularly scheduled classes are offered, as well as workshops, artist in residence programs, interactive performances, and innovative specialty programs. Fushicho Daiko has worked with numerous schools and community groups throughout the region, and our flexible programs can be tailored for your school or group.

Rresidency Programs

A one month Taiko residency with Esther Vandecar, Tony Trapasso, Eileen Morgan, or Ken Koshio, provides a school, and the students, a memorable musical/cultural experience. Every child in the school has the opportunity to spend 40-50 minutes with an artist. Usually the first 20 minutes is spent on Question & Answer about Japanese culture and the last 20 minutes is spent at the drums. Kindergarten and first graders are often given 1/2 a class because of the height of the drums and the attention span of this age group, but it is at the discreation of the school. The school usually selects a grade level; 4th, 5th, or 6th are ideal, but 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders are options too. The core groups usually meet 3 - 5 times a week in order to join Fushicho Daiko, the performing group. Japanese art projectsin all classrooms, to decorate the school during the residency and for the culminating event, are encouraged at all grade levels.

A two week residency with one of the above artists can accomplish the same as the month residency but usually having only 1 or 2 core classes and possibly eliminating the K, 1 & 2 grades, depending on the size of the school.

A one week residency with one artist is basically a demonstration of taiko for 2 or 3 grade levels with no student participation in the culminating event. You can focus more on the cultural aspects of Japan with taiko as just one of them. This gives a school 20 class periods with an artist. A Fushicho Daiko performance is recommended for each residency as an introduction, or as part of the culminating event.

A one day to one week residency with the entire troup is possible for a community or a school. With four artists teaching various aspects of the arts of Japan, an entire school can be reached.

For more information, contact Esther Vandecar at (602) 528-3490, or Ken Koshio at (602) 412-7781.