enTaiko
Student and Parent Handbook
Policies and Guidelines for Students and Families
Purpose
This handbook explains enTaiko's program expectations, safety practices, accessibility commitments, performance responsibilities, and family policies. Please review it before registering.
Classes and rehearsals
Nichiren Buddhist Temple
2025 SE Yamhill St., Portland, OR 97214
Office
4949 NE 16th Ave. #A
Portland, OR 97211
www.entaiko.org | rankazuyo@gmail.com
Important
Program schedules, locations, tuition, and performance details may change. Information on the current registration page and direct messages from enTaiko take precedence when they are more recent than this handbook.
1. Welcome and Mission
Welcome to enTaiko. We are glad that you and your family are joining our community. This handbook is designed to help students participate safely, respectfully, and successfully in classes, rehearsals, camps, workshops, and performances. enTaiko's mission is to foster a community where participants from diverse backgrounds create music together while learning and respecting Japanese cultural traditions.
About taiko
In Japanese, taiko means drum. The word also refers to the contemporary ensemble art form built around Japanese drums, rhythm, movement, listening, and teamwork. Taiko is both musical and physical. Each performer contributes an individual voice while supporting the whole group.
About enTaiko
enTaiko began in 2007 as an arts education program for young people. Since then, it has grown to include community classes, school programs, summer camps, performances, workshops, and cultural collaborations. enTaiko became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2012. EIN: 27-2180026. Artistic Director Kazuyo Ito trained with Takemasa Ishikura and Jyotaro Yoshimura and has performed with taiko ensembles in the United States, Canada, and Japan. Her teaching emphasizes technique, discipline, respect, cooperation, and cultural understanding.
2. Registration and Program Information
Register and pay through www.entaiko.org, unless enTaiko provides different instructions for a specific workshop, residency, or camp.
Complete a separate registration for each student, even when two or more students are from the same family.
Provide accurate contact, emergency, health, and accessibility information. Notify enTaiko promptly when information changes.
Read this handbook and complete the required handbook acknowledgment during registration.
Review the program page for the current schedule, location, tuition, grade range, and included equipment.
Check email regularly for class reminders, performance details, and schedule changes.
Most community classes and rehearsals are currently held at Nichiren Buddhist Temple. enTaiko will notify families when a program uses another location.
3. Accessibility, Health, and Safety
enTaiko welcomes students of all abilities and disabilities. Please contact enTaiko before the first class if a student needs an accommodation, communication support, additional transition time, or another adjustment.
Taiko can be very loud. Students who are sensitive to loud sounds should bring their own hearing protection, such as noise-reducing earmuffs or properly fitted earplugs.
Students must follow instructor directions for movement, spacing, drum setup, and instrument handling.
Students should tell an instructor immediately about an injury, illness, unsafe condition, or urgent concern.
Families should keep students home when they are ill and notify the instructor as soon as possible.
In an emergency, enTaiko may contact emergency services and the emergency contacts listed on the registration form.
Accessibility contact
Use the accessibility section of the registration form or email rankazuyo@gmail.com. Families are encouraged to share only the information needed for safe and successful participation.
4. Attendance and Communication
Arrive on time and remain for the full class, rehearsal, or performance commitment.
When an absence is known in advance, notify the instructor as early as possible. For planned absences connected to a performance, two weeks' notice is requested whenever possible.
For illness, emergencies, or unexpected delays, contact enTaiko as soon as possible.
Families are responsible for transportation to and from classes, rehearsals, and performances.
Students and parents or guardians should read enTaiko emails and respond by stated deadlines.
Because ensemble members learn different musical parts, repeated absences, late arrivals, or early departures affect the whole group. Attendance may affect repertoire assignments, leadership opportunities, and performance casting. Instructors make final casting decisions based on preparation, attendance, safety, and the needs of each event.
5. Learning Environment and Conduct
Students, families, instructors, staff, volunteers, and guests are expected to help maintain a welcoming, focused, and respectful learning environment.
Treat other people, instruments, facilities, and cultural traditions with respect.
Participate actively, listen when others are speaking or playing, and follow instructor directions.
Bullying, harassment, discrimination, unsafe behavior, and repeated disruption are not permitted.
Parents and guardians must communicate with enTaiko staff in a courteous and constructive manner.
When behavior disrupts learning or creates a safety concern, an instructor may give a warning, contact the family, or schedule a meeting. enTaiko will consider appropriate supports and accommodations. If the concern continues or safety cannot be maintained, enTaiko may remove the student from a class or discontinue enrollment. Refunds are not provided for removal resulting from conduct that violates program policies.
6. Parent and Guardian Observation
Parents and guardians are welcome to observe a class when space and program conditions allow. Please contact enTaiko in advance so the instructor can confirm the visit.
Only one observer per student should attend unless enTaiko approves another arrangement.
Observers should remain for the full observation period and avoid entering and leaving repeatedly.
Observers must not interrupt instruction, coach students from the side, or record students without permission.
An instructor may end an observation if it disrupts the class or affects safety or privacy.
7. Class Levels and Student Progression
enTaiko offers beginning and continuing classes, workshops, summer camps, and performance-focused ensembles. Specific names, ages, schedules, and placement requirements may change over time.
Beginning and youth classes
Students develop basic taiko technique, rhythm, movement, teamwork, listening, cultural understanding, and stage awareness. No prior experience is required when stated on the registration page.
Honki and advanced youth study
Honki is an invitation and audition-based level for students ready for increased musical, attendance, leadership, and performance responsibilities. Placement is reviewed by instructors and may change when a different level would better support the student or ensemble.
Middle and high school performing students
Advanced students prepare challenging repertoire, develop leadership skills, support younger students, and represent enTaiko in the community. They may be asked to practice independently, complete assignments, and attend additional rehearsals.
Workshops and summer camps
Workshops may feature guest artists and specialized learning. Summer camps provide concentrated instruction and may include a final sharing or performance. Program-specific expectations and refund policies are provided during registration.
8. Rehearsals, Performances, Costumes, and Instruments
Students participating in performances accept additional responsibilities to the ensemble, presenting organization, and audience.
Attend required rehearsals and arrive at performances by the stated call time.
Confirm performance availability by the deadline and notify enTaiko immediately when circumstances change.
Memorize assigned music, transitions, and performance maps by the requested date.
Bring required clothing, costume pieces, water, snacks, hearing protection, and other requested supplies.
Older and more experienced students are expected to model respectful behavior and support younger students.
Once in costume or in a performance area, students should behave as representatives of enTaiko.
Costumes
Families are responsible for personal performance items such as the required enTaiko shirt, tabi, headband, and wristbands.
Wash enTaiko T-shirts in cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry. Do not place costume aprons in a washing machine or dryer unless specific instructions are provided.
Return borrowed costume pieces promptly and in good condition.
Instruments and equipment
Handle all drums, stands, bachi, and other equipment carefully and only as directed.
When borrowing an instrument, the student or family is responsible for safe transportation, storage, and return by the agreed date.
Families may occasionally be invited to assist with equipment transportation or other performance needs.
9. Photos, Video, and Demographic Information
Photo and video permission is collected separately during registration. Families may give or decline permission. enTaiko will make reasonable efforts to follow each family's selection when documenting classes, rehearsals, and performances. Race and ethnicity information may be requested for anonymous, combined reporting to funders and community partners. Families may select Prefer not to answer. Individual demographic responses are not published as personally identifying information.
Recording reminder
Parents, guardians, and guests may not photograph or record other students during classes or rehearsals without prior permission from enTaiko.
10. Tuition, Financial Assistance, and Refunds
Tuition is determined for each program based on the number of sessions, staffing, facility costs, equipment, and other program expenses. Current tuition appears on the registration page.
Financial assistance
Scholarships or tuition assistance may be available depending on grant funding, sponsorships, and donations. Contact enTaiko before registering when assistance is needed.
Class refund policy
A class withdrawal request received at least two weeks before the class start date is eligible for a refund minus a $75 processing fee, unless the registration page states a different policy.
After that deadline, enTaiko may offer a credit toward a future class. Credits are subject to approval and expire one year from the date issued.
No refund or credit is provided after a class has started.
Workshop and summer camp refund policies are provided with each program because schedules and costs vary.
11. Continued Enrollment, Breaks, and Appeals
Students may continue participating as long as they follow program policies and the program remains an appropriate and safe placement. enTaiko may review continued enrollment based on attendance, participation, conduct, family communication, and program capacity. Families considering a break or withdrawal should notify enTaiko as early as possible. Returning students may be asked to complete a period of review or additional study before receiving performance opportunities. If enTaiko discontinues a student's enrollment, the organization will provide written notice or schedule a meeting to explain the decision. A parent or guardian may request review by submitting a written appeal within five business days. enTaiko will communicate a final decision within ten business days after receiving the appeal.
12. Cultural Exchange and Leadership Opportunities
Cultural exchange programs, including possible travel to Japan, are offered by invitation when funding, partnerships, and schedules allow. Participation may require additional rehearsals, workshops with Japanese artists, travel preparation, performances, and family commitments. Detailed requirements are provided separately for each project. Older or advanced students may be invited to assist with beginning classes, workshops, summer camps, equipment, or performances. The instructor will explain the responsibilities, supervision, schedule, and any compensation or volunteer expectations before the opportunity begins.
13. Family Acknowledgment
During online registration, the parent or guardian must confirm that they have read and understand this handbook and agree to follow its policies. The acknowledgment covers program participation and conduct policies. Photo and video permission is requested separately so each family can make its own selection.
Questions
Please contact enTaiko before completing registration if you have questions about a policy or need the handbook in another format. Website: www.entaiko.org | Email: rankazuyo@gmail.com
Thank you for helping enTaiko maintain a safe, respectful, inclusive, and culturally grounded learning community.