enTaiko Teacher & Volunteer Handbook. 

Revised July 2025


Dear Teachers and Volunteers,

Welcome to enTaiko.  Thank you for joining our mission to share the power of Japanese taiko drumming with communities across Oregon and Southwest Washington. Whether you're teaching in a school, assisting at a performance, or supporting youth in a workshop, your role is vital to our shared goal: fostering inclusive, safe, and inspiring experiences for all participants.

This handbook outlines the expectations, protocols, and values that guide our work. We look forward to creating with you.

Our Mission
To foster a community where participants from various ethnic backgrounds work together to create music while learning the cultural traditions of others.

To foster a diverse, inclusive community through the art of Japanese taiko drumming. We empower youth and adult artists of all abilities by providing high-quality, culturally specific arts education that honors tradition while embracing innovation. Through performances, workshops, and collaborations, enTaiko promotes leadership, cross-cultural understanding, and creative expression—ensuring access to the arts for underserved, disabled, Deaf, neurodiverse, and LGBTQ+ communities.

1. Core Values

  • Respect for all individuals regardless of ability, background, gender identity, or sexual orientation

  • Inclusion in both participation and representation

  • Cultural responsibility in presenting and teaching taiko

  • Collaboration with fellow artists, teachers, and communities

  • Joy and creativity in learning and performance

2. General Expectations

  • Arrive on time and prepared

  • Model positive, respectful behavior

  • Use inclusive language and practices

  • Ask for support when unsure or overwhelmed

  • Prioritize student safety, dignity, and access

3. Safety Protocols

  • No youth participant is to be left alone with a single adult

  • All adults working with minors must complete a background check

  • Instructors and volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes

  • Know the location of first aid kits and emergency exits

  • Follow setup/takedown guidelines for all drums and equipment

4. Youth Engagement Guidelines

  • Encourage rather than correct harshly

  • Adapt instruction to different learning styles

  • Monitor sound sensitivity and offer breaks as needed

  • Communicate clearly with parents/guardians and share daily highlights or concerns when possible

5. Accessibility Practices

  • Use visual aids and clear gestures during instruction

  • Offer multiple ways to participate (movement, rhythm, listening)

  • Welcome feedback and collaborate on access solutions

  • Use ASL interpreters or quiet spaces when appropriate

6. Cultural Integrity

  • Teach taiko history with cultural context and respect

  • Use accurate terminology for instruments and forms

  • Acknowledge influences and elders who’ve shaped enTaiko’s work

  • Avoid cultural appropriation in dress, speech, or style

7. Conflict & Concern Process

  • If an issue arises, speak with the program lead or Artistic Director promptly

  • Maintain professionalism and care in all discussions

  • enTaiko will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or unsafe behavior

8. Communication & Scheduling

  • Check your email/texts regularly for schedule updates

  • Notify enTaiko staff ASAP if you are running late or need to miss a session

  • Respect group agreements and rehearsal times

9. Emergency Preparedness

  • Emergency exits and safety protocols are reviewed before each performance or workshop

  • First aid kits are on-site at all events and classes

  • Designated staff are assigned to emergency roles (e.g., evacuation lead, communication contact)

  • Emergency contact information for youth is collected in advance and reviewed by staff

10. Risk Management & Accountability

  • enTaiko maintains liability insurance and follows facility-specific safety guidelines

  • All volunteers and staff are oriented on risk mitigation (physical safety, emotional well-being, and inclusion)

  • Financial and program records are reviewed annually for compliance and improvement

  • Feedback from participants and partners is collected regularly and used to improve safety and accessibility

 

Risk Management for enTaiko Classes and Performances

1. Physical Safety

Taiko drumming involves large body movements and the handling of heavy instruments, which carries a risk of injury. Proper instruction on form, secure setup of instruments, and fall prevention measures are essential. When working with children, clear communication with guardians and safe pick-up/drop-off procedures are also necessary.

2. Child Protection and Creating a Safe Environment

All teachers and volunteers must undergo appropriate background checks. To prevent abuse or misunderstanding, adults should avoid being alone one-on-one with a child. Building trust with parents and creating a psychologically safe and welcoming space for children are key priorities.

3. Accessibility and Inclusion for Participants with Disabilities

To ensure safe participation and engagement for individuals who are Deaf, blind, or have physical disabilities, enTaiko incorporates ASL (American Sign Language), tactile and vibration-based elements, and ensures venues are wheelchair accessible and sensory-aware.

4. Cultural Respect and Avoiding Misrepresentation

As a traditional Japanese art form, taiko must be taught and presented with cultural accuracy and integrity. enTaiko avoids stereotypes or misunderstandings by providing culturally respectful instruction and performance that honors the roots of the practice.

5. Emergency Preparedness

Preparedness for emergencies such as earthquakes, fires, or injuries is essential. Clear evacuation routes, first aid supplies, and a communication plan among staff are required at all teaching and performance sites.

6. Managing Reputation, Trust, and Legal Risk

When working in schools or public venues, any incidents (such as injuries, harassment, or cultural/language misunderstandings) can impact the organization’s reputation and opportunities for future programs. enTaiko takes proactive steps to prevent issues and respond transparently and responsibly when concerns arise.