QUESTION:
How do I join San Jose Taiko (SJT)?
ANSWER:
Step I: If you are not familiar with San Jose Taiko's style,
music, and form, we suggest that you first see San Jose Taiko in performance
(check our performance calendar).
Step 2: Attend a SJT Public Workshop
or Open Audition to learn basic fundamentals
and information through hands-on-the-taiko experience.
Step 3. Based upon a workshop participant's skills and
expressed interest in becoming a SJT performing member, an interview is arranged
to discuss the responsibilities and expectations of a performing member.
Step 4: Following the interview, an individual may be invited
to enter an intensive one-year training program which starts in January.
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QUESTION:
What is the Training Process like?
ANSWER:
San Jose Taiko runs a one-year training program with a curriculum that provides
the basic fundamentals of practicing the art form and discipline of taiko.
The following is a description of the training program.
YEAR ONE (Consists of 3 Phases)
PHASE I - BASIC TRAINING :(Early January to Late April)
Required Attendance = Once a week
Wednesdays 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Phase I includes physical conditioning (aerobic, running,flexibility,
strength), development of basic taiko skills, an introduction to taiko ensemble
instruments, and assignments that challenge critical thinking. During Phase
I, members will have the opportunity to assist in SJT's annual Spring concert
at the end of April. There will be
evaluations of each member during Phase I. The criteria for evaluation is
based upon SJT's four principles: Attitude, Musical Technique, Ki (Energy),
and Kata (Form).The first evaluation will be a progress check which will be
conducted mid-way. The second will take place at the end of Phase I, at which
time the instructors will determine to recommend a member to continue to Phase
II.
PHASE II - APPLIED BASICS : (Mid May to Mid July)
Required Attendance = Twice a week
Wednesdays 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Tuesdays 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Phase II Wednesday practices will include running, learning
selected SJT repertoire, and participating in a cture/seminar series based
on required readings from a reader (a collection of articles relevant to the
taiko experience). Phase II members must attend a second practice held on
Tuesday evenings. This additional practice provides the opportunity to interface
and practice with company performers. Tuesday practices are mainly focused
toward the performing company, however, Phase II members will participate
as fully as possible given the nature of the practice. Phase II members are
required to attend two San Jose Taiko performances during this period, also
which it is expected of them to assist in the loading and unloading of equipment.
There will be two evaluations during Phase II --- once mid-way through the
course, and again at the end to determine if the member should continue to
the next Phase.
PHASE III - INTEGRATED BASICS : (Late July to mid November
14)
Required Attendance = Three times a week:
Tuesdays 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Wednesdays 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Thursdays 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Phase III members are invited to participate as fully as possible during all
performing company rehearsals and meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Wednesday
sessions will remain dedicated to focus on training members. One evaluation
will be held at the end of two months, and again at the end of Phase III.
The final evaluation will determine if the individual will continue on. If
recommended to continue, training members will be required to attend a year-end
retreat with the performing company (the first weekend of December).
Training member to "Apprentice"
After successfully completing the training program, the trainee becomes an
apprentice and begins to focus on the development of performance skills. Apprentices
will be asked to participate in community performances throughout the year
to gain practical field experience as a performing member.
Apprentices will attend three practice sessions
per week. On Wednesdays, apprentices will participate as mentors to the new
first-year training members. Progress reports will be conducted during designated
periods.
Apprentices will attend all performing company practices during this period.
Those who are interested to continue Wednesday training sessions, are invited
to do so.
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QUESTION:
Do I need to have any previous musical training before participating with
SJT?
ANSWER :
Although a music background may be helpful, it is not necessary. Because taiko
is an oral tradition, i.e. teaching by transmitting information and music
from teacher-to-student, we teach and learn our music by singing phonetically,
without the use of western sheet music.
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QUESTION:
Do you have any classes for adults who have no interest in entering SJT as
a performing member?
ANSWER :
No. SJT is unable, at this time, to provide ongoing weekly classes for recreational
purposes due to limited resources (staff, space, and time).
Although not offered on a regular basis, our Public
Workshops are designed to introduce taiko rudiments to the general public.
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QUESTION:
How do I contact SJT?
ANSWER:
For further information, call 'PJ' at 408-293-9344
(San Jose Taiko Office), or email pj@taiko.org, We'll be happy to answer your questions.
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