enTaiko Handbook
Rehearsals:
St. Paul Church, 3880 SE Brooklyn St., Portland
Richmond Elementary School, 2276 SE 41st Ave., Portland
Table of Contents
1. Welcome
2. enTaiko and its Mission
3. Classes, Workshops, Summer
General Guidelines
Descriptions of Classes
Workshops
Summer Camps
4. Rehearsals, Performances and Cultural Exchange Program
Expectations for Performing Students and Parents
Cultural Exchange Program -Japan Trip
5. Continued Enrollment, Tuitions, Scholarships, Internship Opportunities
1. Welcome to enTaiko
This handbook contains information that will help you learn about en Taiko as you begin your adventure in the art form of taiko with us. We wish you good luck and let’s have fun together.
Your feedback and suggestions about our programming are always appreciated as en Taiko strengthens ties to its communities. Please contact Kazuyo Ito, Director, at rankazuyo@gmaill.com
If your child has sensitive hearing, please bring their own headphones for comfort.
enTaiko is fully ADA accessible, ensuring an inclusive environment for all attendees
2. enTaiko and Its Mission
enTaiko’s mission is to foster a community where participants from various ethnic backgrounds work together to create music while learning the cultural traditions of others.
About Taiko
The word, “Taiko” in Japanese literally means great or wide drum. It refers most commonly to a distinctive form of drumming that has its roots in ancient Japanese culture. But Taiko also describes the art form of modern Japanese drum ensembles, as well as the physical drums used by these groups.
Taiko is about community. Taiko, Japanese drumming transcends all cultures and it is universal and anyone can do it. Participants from different ethnic backgrounds will work with each other to create music and learn to be open to the cultural traditions of others.
enTaiko was established in 2007. enTaiko played and practiced on old garbage bins. At first, enTaiko began as a means of teaching kids at schools, where music class was no longer offered. Drastic public school budget cuts continue to deprive students of the demonstrated benefits of formal music education. The practice and performances by en Taiko help fill this gap, by providing students with discipline, camaraderie, listening skills, and structure–all essential components of Japanese taiko.
Over the years, the quality of taiko has been getting better and better. The enTaiko students are ready for increased responsibility and more challenging songs. As a performance group, enTaiko plans to expand its repetoir and grow its membership.
The “en” in “enTaiko” is probably best translated as “happenstance,” as in the lucky bits of circumstance that bring people together. Even in ancient Japan, Taiko was not merely a musical instrument. Taiko played a vital role in strengthening community, whether in the schools, temples, or throughout the townships. Similarly, en Taiko aspires to create opportunity for strengthening and expanding community.
In April 2012, en Taiko became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Status number: 27- 2180026
The enTaiko performance group is a youthful, high-energy experience that fosters community. Taiko drumming strengthens individuality and creativity within the interplay of a group dynamic. The group performs at cultural events and music festivals throughout the city of Portland, carrying on a centuries' old musical tradition from feudal Japan.
About Kazuyo Ito, Aristic Director of enTaiko
Kazuyo was trained by Taiko masters, Takemasa Ishikura in Florida and Jyotaro Yoshimura in Japan. Before starting en Taiko in 2007, she performed with Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble in California, Uzume Taiko in Canada, and Matsuriza at Walt Disney World for many years. Kazuyo teaches her students in a traditional, strict manner, which is typical for many Japanese martial arts, sports, and music lessons.
Makoto Barmon, Assistant Artistic Director of enTaiko
Makoto Barmon has 20 years of experience performing and teaching with enTaiko. As Ar1s1c Director,
he shapes the creative vision and oversees the ar1s1c direc1on of the organiza1on’s projects, ensuring a high standard of ar1s1c excellence.
3. Classes, Workshops, Summer Camps
General Guidelines for Students and Families of All en Taiko Offerings:
✓ All classes, workshops, and summer camps will be held at the St. Paul Church unless specific instructions are given by Instructor.
✓ You can fill out the registration and pay for classes online through the en Taiko’s website: www.entaiko.org unless Instructor has a special way of registration for certain workshops.
✓ Please note that, by signing the registration form, you are understanding the contents of this handbook, authorizing enTaiko staff to seek medical treatment for your child in emergency situations, and giving en Taiko consent to use your child’s photographs, and video and/or audio of your child’s activities/performances for promotional purposes.
✓ Contact Instructor immediately if you:
● Have any urgent/emergency situation
● Will be absent for any rehearsal/class/performance in two weeks advance from the asset date
● Will be late to a practice/rehearsal even for a few minutes
Note: We ask for your cooperation with your on-time arrivals for classes. There is only one instructor and she has to go to a locked door to let late students into the church building. Every time she does this, she has to stop the class and disrupts the flow of the class. Thank you for your understanding.
✓ Check your e-mails frequently for information from Instructor about classes, performances or any schedule changes.
✓ Check the website www.entaiko.org for updates on performances, events, and news.
✓ Students and parents are responsible for arriving on time at classes, workshops, summer camps, and performances (if you are performing). You are encouraged to set up a carpool arrangement among families whenever possible. en Taiko staff is not responsible for scheduling such arrangements.
✓ Feel free to contact Instructor via e-mail (rankazuyo@gmail.com) if you have any questions or concerns.
✓ If a student’s behavior is too disruptive for the other students in a class, Instructor will give a verbal warning to the student. When a student receives a total of three verbal warnings, Instructor will schedule a meeting with the student and his/her family member in an effort to remove the problem behavior. Instructor may ask the student not to attend the class if that is deemed the only option. If the student is removed from two classes, the student will not be able to attend any remaining classes. There will be no tuition refund for the classes missed.
Descriptions of Classes
Kids Class 1 (kinder, first grade) - 60 minutes/class at Richmond Elementary
Goals:
● Begin to understand teamwork and be a team member
● Demonstrate respect for self, other students, Instructor, and taiko/instruments
● Learn 3 different styles of taiko drumming and rhythm
● Perform at Richmond-based performances and en Taiko’s Annual Concert
● Have fun playing taiko!
Expectations:
● Arrive at classes on time
● Contact Instructor immediately if expected to be late or absent
● Come to each class ready to learn
● Participate in class activities actively
● Ask questions to Instructor
Kids Class 2/Junior (2nd-5th grade) - Tuesdays or Fridays 2- 3 hours/class and Kids1&2 Helper
Goals:
● Understand teamwork and be a team member
● Demonstrate respect for self, other students, Instructor, and taiko/instruments
● Learn 3 different styles of taiko drumming and rhythm
● Perform at Richmond-based performances and en Taiko’s Annual Concert
● Perform at other performances if requested and interested/available
● Get invited to audition for the Honki Class (if you are interested)
Expectations:
● Arrive at classes on time
● Contact Instructor immediately if expected to be late or absent
● Come to each class ready to learn
● Participate in class activities actively
● Challenge self for advance skills and knowledge
● Ask questions to Instructor
Honki Class (elementary students) - see Section IV for details - Tuesdays and Fridays 2- 3 hours/class – Sundays occasionally + Kids1&2 helper
Performing Group/MIddle School – see Section IV for details – Fridays & Two (2) hours on Sundays when we have performances
Workshops -workshops are offered when en Taiko gets funding for such opportunities for students. en Taiko staff will seek master teachers to teach a workshop when the teachers are traveling through the Portland Metropolitan area. en Taiko staff will notify all students and families whenever such opportunities become available.
Summer Camps -Summer camps are offered for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. No taiko experience necessary. Everyone is welcome to join this fun, educational, five-day All-Day Camps. Performance Group will be expected to be helper.
*Children need to be dropped off at location each day
*There will be a performance by the students on Friday each session
Rehearsals and Performances
Honki Students and Parents Expectations
For the safety of all students, the drums, and other equipment, each student is expected to follow the rules and expectations described below and the instructor’s directions. The staff at en Taiko will make every attempt to make the experience exciting and positive for all students and families.
If you will be absent for any rehearsal/class, you need to contact instructors before two weeks from the absent date. Your absent and late rehearsal/class/skipping performances will lose your performance spot, assistant opportunities and all other activities. If you decide to leave or take a break, students are able to come back with one year under study without performances opportunities.
Honki Description (Elementary students)
Students have to be invited to audition by Instructor to get into this class. Honki is auditioned class, if students are not expected level, it is possible to move back to Kids2 or Junior classes by instructors’ decision.
Your absent and late rehearsal/class/skipping performances will loose your performance spot, assistant opportunities and all other activities.
Goals:
Become comfortable with the 3 different styles of taiko and rhythm
Perform at the school-based performances and en Taiko concert
Perform at other performances as requests come in
Learn challenging songs and techniques
Begin to learn leadership skills
Begin to learn how to be a representative of en Taiko at performances
Aim to become a performing group member (if interested)
Expectations:
Come to rehearsals on time and stay for the entire rehearsal period
Students are allowed up to two (2) absences or late arrivals to or early departures from rehearsals during each session with two weeks advance notice to Instructor
All other absences or late arrivals to or early departures from rehearsals required instructor’s approval
Four (4) rehearsals before a performance are mandatory
Fill your name about your performance availability by deadline at en Taiko Schedule google sheet
Earplugs are highly encouraged during rehearsals as taiko drumming is very loud. Each student is responsible for the usage of their earplugs outside of and during all lessons.
Because all students learn and are responsible for different parts of songs, a student’s absence or tardiness from rehearsals impacts other students. For this reason, students who are absent from or late to rehearsals may miss their spots on songs and/or performances
It is up to each family to arrange transportation of students to and from classes/rehearsals if you have to be late or leave early.
· Participate in all rehearsals actively
· Practice at home 3 days a week with metronome (30 min total)
Middle School/Honki/ Performing Group Students and Parents Expectations
For the safety of all students, the drums, and other equipment, each student is expected to follow the rules and expectations described below as well as the Instructor’s directions. The staff at enTaiko will make every attempt to make the experience exciting and positive for all students and families.
Performing Group Description (Middle/High School and Honki Students with Instructor’s Approval)
Online lessons/General class guidelines:
Performance group members are required to attend the full 3-hour in-person class and take time outside of class to prepare/complete any additional homework or performance preparation. Please read the handbook for a clear list of requirements for performance group members.
en Taiko has decided to move forward with a hybrid lesson plan, meeting online once a week (90min class) and in-person classes (3-hour rehearsal.) *Online lesson has been cancelled
Goals:
· Become a responsible performing member of enTaiko
· Understand the mission of enTaiko and represent it in the communities
· Challenge self with additional opportunities to learn advanced skills
· Participate in more performances both inside and outside the Portland Metropolitan area
· Play more marimba and compose new pieces
· Prepare to attend the taiko conference
· Apply leadership skills in group settings with younger students at rehearsals, performances, and other activities
· Provide a positive, rewarding, and enjoyable experience for en Taiko students, their families, and our audiences.
Expectations:
Rehearsals
Six (6) rehearsals before a performance are mandatory
Come to rehearsals on time and stay for the entire rehearsal period
Participate in all rehearsals actively
Use limited rehearsal times well so that you can learn many songs and taiko techniques with advanced melody and structures
Students are allowed up to two (2) absences or late arrivals to or early departures from rehearsals during each session with two weeks advance notice to Instructor
All other absences or late arrivals to or early departures from rehearsals require Instructor’s approval
Earplugs are highly encouraged during rehearsals as taiko drumming is very loud. Each student is responsible for the usage of their earplugs outside of and during all lessons
Home
· Practice at home 60 minutes a week with metronome - Mandatory
· Complete homework on time (e.g., Review your performance on YouTube and send comments/feedback to Instructor before due dates)
Performances
· Fill in your name about your performance availability by deadline at enTaiko Schedule Google Sheet
· Memorize performance transitions/maps by the next rehearsal day after receiving them
· Arrive by the call time for each performance and notify your arrival to Instructor or the parent volunteer in charge at performance sites
· Bring your own water bottle and snacks for each performance and rehearsal
· If costume leader finds something missing upon inventory for each performance, contact Instructor immediately
· Older students are expected to be excellent role models for younger students and help them during performances
· Even though a performance might not have started, once you put on your costume, it is time to be serious and act as if the performance has already started.
· Students take turns to observe performances to support the whole performing group and to learn performance skills from audience perspectives
· Non-performing students are highly encouraged to go to performances in order to observe the performances as learning opportunities. It also shows team spirit and respect for the performing members of the team.
· Performance fees enTaiko receives are used to repair and purchase instruments, provide snacks for rehearsals and other educational activities.
Costumes/Instruments:
· Students and their parents are responsible for their own costumes including T-shirt and tabi so as to be ready for the performance. If students need new T-shirt, you need to make the request at least 4 weeks in advance.
· If students request borrowing enTaiko instruments the student/family must arrange for transportation for pickup and return of the instrument. Unfortunately, enTaiko cannot provide transportation for the instruments. Students have the responsibility to keep the instrument safe and in good condition and return it to en Taiko on or before the agreed time.
· A student costume leader will be assigned for each performance. Please assist them by 1. Wash the T-shirt with cold water/gentle cycle and air dry (do not use dryer) 2. Air dry only for Apron (never wash aprons or put into dryer) and return at next rehearsal
· Headband and wristbands are each student’s own responsibility. Keep in Ziplock bag and keep in safe place
· enTaiko cannot operate without the generous support and assistance from students’ families. For example, families are occasionally asked to transport taiko and other instruments to/from performance sites.
Communication
It is very important for both students and their parents to have frequent communications with the Instructor in order to create a mutually respectful and professional relationship. Everything goes more smoothly when all of us know what to expect at rehearsals, performances, workshops, and/or summer camps.
· Students middle-school age and up are expected to have their own e-mail address to communicate with en Taiko.
· Students and parents are expected to check their e-mail frequently.
· Please contact the instructor immediately if you:
o Will be late to a practice even for a few minutes
o Have any urgent/emergency situations
o Have questions about classes, performances, or any other information sent to you by e-mail.
Other
· Older students are expected to lead and support younger students
· Assist Instructor as Intern with a minimum of one week at summer camps
· Ask Instructor if you have any questions
Tardiness, Absences, Leaves/Breaks
IMPORTANT: If you will be absent for any rehearsal or class, please contact Instructors at least two weeks before the date of the rehearsal/class. Note that being late or absent for rehearsals, classes, or performances could result in losing your performance spot, assistant opportunities, and participation in other activities.
Because all students learn and are responsible for different parts of songs, a student’s absence or tardiness from rehearsals impacts other students. For this reason, students who are absent more than 2 times inlacing sickness in each session, from or late to rehearsals may miss their spots on songs and/or performances.
It is up to each family to arrange transportation of students to and from classes/rehearsals if you have to be late or leave early.
Please understand that any absence and/or tardiness could affect the student getting cast in certain performances, depending on the timing of their absence and/or tardiness. The final decision on casting for each performance will be made by Instructor.
If you decide to leave or take a break, students are able to come back to en Taiko with one year under study without performances opportunities.
One year ahead of notice for take a break, it will not be necessary to do one year under study time when student comes back
Consequences For Problematic Behaviors
All staff at enTaiko work hard to create fun but challenging experiences for all performing group and Honki/MIddle students. At times an individual’s behavior becomes disruptive to the flow of classes and for the learning of other students. Instructor is expected to do the following to eliminate such disruptions:
· A verbal warning will be given to the student who is exhibiting a problematic behavior
· After a student receives 3 verbal warnings, a family meeting will be scheduled to discuss options. You could be removed from the class if no better option is found.
· If a student is removed from two classes, s/he will not be allowed to finish the rest of the term. (No refund of any tuition)
Parent & Guardian Observation Policy
Parents and guardians who wish to observe a class must submit a reservation request at least one week in advance. All requests require approval from enTaiko instructors and staff before attendance is permitted.
Observation Guidelines:
The observer must remain for the entire class and is not allowed to enter and exit during the session for security reasons.
Only one observer is allowed at a time.
If the observer disrupts or interrupts the class, enTaiko reserves the right to remove them from the session.
These policies ensure a focused and safe learning environment for all students.
Graduation From enTaiko
· When you decide to graduate en Taiko, make sure you give a notice at least 6 – 12 month advance.
· All items borrowed from en Taiko must be returned at time of graduation, including instruments and costumes. For costumes, please wash the T-shirt with cold water/gentle cycle and air dry (do not use dryer). The apron should only be air dry only (never wash aprons or put into dryer).
Cultural Exchange Program -Japan Trip-
*Invitation students only
This taiko trip creates a special bond between the drummers. The students have continued their lessons through Zoom workshops from Professional Japanese groups before visit and have been encouraging each other to continue with taiko. This help to re-establish connections by preparing and rehearsing for summer performances and the trip planned for Japan. During Japan Trip, performance will be offer and work with group in Japan to learn their culture and roots of taiko.
Requirements: Zoom workshop with Japanese Group
Performance rehearsals: Before, during, after Summer Camps
Summer performances: for 1 or 2 weeks after Taiko Camp
Cross Cultural Project: Japan Trip: 10-14 days
Continued Enrollment
· Students may continue participating in enTaiko’s drumming program as long as they follow enTaiko’s policies and guidelines.
· enTaiko prioritizes a positive and collaborative learning environment and reserves the right to evaluate continued enrollment based on student behavior, attendance, and overall participation.
Expectations for Parents and Guardians
· enTaiko values respect in fostering a positive learning environment for all students. All interactions with enTaiko staff, instructors, and administrators must be courteous and constructive. To ensure clarity and efficiency, one designated parent/guardian per family will serve as the primary contact for student-related inquiries, scheduling, and other concerns.
· Communication with enTaiko must be conducted respectfully in all forms, including emails and scheduled in-person discussions.
· To maintain a structured communication process, phone calls to enTaiko staff should be reserved for urgent situations, such as a student’s physical emergency or a time-sensitive matter on a performance day. All other inquiries should be directed through email or scheduled meetings.
Program Participation and Conduct
· enTaiko is committed to fostering a welcoming and respectful environment. If concerns arise regarding communication or interactions, enTaiko reserves the right to remove a student from the program if a parent/guardian engages in inappropriate or disrespectful communication without issuing a refund.
· If a parent’s behavior persists or disrupts the positive learning environment, enTaiko reserves the right to deny the student’s future enrollment and/or cease further communication.
Notification and Appeals
· If a student’s enrollment is discontinued, enTaiko will provide written notice explaining the decision. A meeting may also be scheduled in place of written notification if needed.
· Parent(s)/guardians may request a review of the decision by submitting a written appeal within five (5) business days of receiving the notification.
· enTaiko’s administration will review the appeal and communicate a final decision within ten (10) business days.
Tuitions, Scholarships, and Internship Opportunities
Tuitions are determined each term based on the number of participants and the cost of holding a class, a workshop, or a summer camp. enTaiko staff will provide information about the costs as soon as it becomes available prior to registration.
Scholarships may become available for eligible participants, depending on grant funding, sponsorship, and/or donations. Please speak with en Taiko staff to request for eligibility criteria and information on scholarships.
Internship Opportunities may be available for older, advanced students to assist with teaching Kids’ Classes, workshops, and Summer Camps. Instructor will send an e-mail to eligible students when such opportunities become available. The scope and expectations for each opportunity will be determined by Instructor and Student/Parent.
Tuition Refund Policy
Class registration withdrawal requests that are received two weeks prior to the start date of the class are eligible for a full refund minus a $75 processing fee. Requests received after that time will be credited to your next class registration. Workshop and class refund requests are only eligible for credit. Credit expires one year from date of issue. All refunds and credits are subject to en Taiko’s approval. en Taiko will not refund/credit after the class starts.
Refund Policy for Workshops and Summer Camps will be provided as each one’s content and schedule are established.
Revised 9/1/2024
en Taiko is nonprofit organization: 501(c)3 #27-2180026