What is taiko?
Taiko ( 太鼓 , literally “big drum” ) refers both to our drums and to the practice of playing them. While taiko in various forms have been played in Japan for centuries for civic, festival and ritual purposes, modern ensemble-based taiko (kumidaiko) as a performance art played by groups internationally is only 60 years old. As the modern art form has matured it has incorporated additional elements of theater, dance, storytelling and martial arts.
Traditions are conversations.
We experience traditional taiko not as an art that gains authenticity through antiquity alone, but as way of organizing a set of ongoing international musical conversations, each about one or more of many songs associated with different regions of Japan. Our education mission is to enable the communities we serve to more fully connect with and through these conversations, and thus serve as an entry to the world of Japanese language, folk lore, history, food, and culture.
Smokin’ Bachi Taiko, Inc.
Taiko began to be played in Northern New Mexico around 2003. We incorporated in New Mexico in 2006 as an organization to support taiko in the region, and received our non-profit status in 2011. Our name was inspired by the quick and energized movements of Japanese taiko drumming, the idea being that our “bachi,” or drumsticks, would move so fast they would begin to smoke.
Prior to 2014, the performing group (with changing membership) was variously called ‘Thunder Mesa’, ‘Smokin’ Bachi’, and ‘Taiko Sol’. Since 2016, our performing group is ‘Santa Fe Wadaiko‘. Throughout our history, Smokin’ Bachi Taiko, Inc. has provided rehearsal space, performance booking, much of the equipment and maintenance thereof, organization of classes and a space for taiko instruction. In addition, we contribute logistical support for drum building workshops.
The mission of Smokin’ Bachi Taiko, Inc. is to promote the art and culture of Japanese drumming and drum making. We do this through regular classes and workshops. Santa Fe Wadaiko performances occur primarily through out Northern NM in schools, community events, matsuri, bon odori, museums, music and performance venues.