Not Your Average Drum Solo

The UConn Taiko presented its year-end concert Saturday afternoon for spectators in the Student Union Theater.

This year the group had a special guest come in to perform, UConn Surya. The group is "UConn's first classical Indian fusion dance troupe-founded in 2004. Surya's choreography represents an inspiration of classical dance and beats with a modern edge," according to the UConn Taiko concert handout.

The cultural aspects of the taiko performance could be seen with all the various drum play and choreography.

"Taiko has played an integral part in many facets of Japanese culture, including in religion, in the battlefield, and entertainment ... Deeply rooted in everyday lives of Japanese people, taiko was used to bless their seasonal crops, ensuring a bountiful harvest," according to the Taiko concert handout.

The UConn Taiko is a group that specializes in Taiko, which are "traditional Japanese drums used historically since the sixth or seventh century to summon spirits for fortune, strength and harmony" according to the UConn Taiko concert handout.

Going on its third year now, the UConn Taiko comes together each week to practice for special campus events that allow them to display their unique cultural background.

"UConn Taiko actively serves the university and the surrounding communities. UConn Taiko has participated in various university sponsored cultural events including International Night, Art Fest, Asian Night, and World Fest as well as off-campus events such as Windham Hospital Annual Autumn Gala" according to the concert handout.

"A lot of the group is new but they seem to have synched up pretty well. This is my third time seeing them perform and they have done very well," said Justin Teague, a 4th-semester English major.

Taiko literally means "big drum" and this is not an understatement. At any given point during the performance there could be 10 or more big drums being used to create a thunderous yet rhythmic melody.

"What I like about the performance is there is so much energy with performing with these guys, banging a drum is a lot of fun," said Chris Hall of Vernon.

"It's a lot of fun and it's a great way to get together and meet a lot of people and learn about Japanese culture," said Naomi Avery, a 6th-semester biology major.

The energy was certainly there for the entirety of the show despite the immense effort and energy it takes to sustain your rhythm and focus through 15 and 20 minute performances.

"A lot of them are new and energetic and they're having a lot of fun doing it. I also enjoyed seeing the dancers in the middle, it was a nice touch," said Carolina Aguila, an 8th-semester ecology major.