Taiko performance
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can perform a taiko ensemble performance with an ouchi using a variety of strikes, movements and kakegoe with an accompanying jiuchi.
Key learning points
- The main rhythmic part in a taiko performance is the ouchi. This is made up a variety of honji.
- Each honji can include a variety of different strikes, movements and kakegoe (shouts) and lasts for eight beats.
- It can also include ma, which is a rest.
- The ouchi is accompanied by the jiuchi or ji, which plays consistent doko or dongo strikes softly.
- We have performed an eight-honji ouchi, with an accompanying jiuchi, in time as an ensemble.
Keywords
Dongo - two quick taps on the drum head (right then left) in an uneven (shuffle) rhythm
Honji - an 8-beat pattern
Ouchi - the main rhythmic part in a taiko performance
Jiuchi - the accompanying rhythm in a taiko performance; also called ji
Ma - a space in the rhythm, creating a rest
Common misconception
Mixing up the dongo and doko strikes and comfortably swapping from one to the other.
The dongo is a shuffle feel, whilst the doko and kara are even beats. Practise alternating from one to the other so pupils can recognise them easily and can comfortably swap from one to the other in a performance.
Teacher tip
The performance can be adapted by shortening the ouchi or removing parts of the honji and replacing with simple repeated patterns.
Equipment
Voices, tables or chairs (if no percussion instruments are available), drum sticks if using chairs/hands if using tables, drums of any size or shape if possible.
Licence
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