Taiko drumming is a beautiful form of art that has been captivating audiences for centuries. And in Calgary, Alberta, one group has taken the reins and is working to bring this rich cultural tradition to the community. Paula Nieckar is the founder and artistic director of Yama no Oto, a taiko drumming club that focuses on performance, education, and community.
Nieckar first became interested in taiko drumming when she was a child and attended the Edmonton Heritage Festival. The powerful rhythms and the skilled drummers left an indelible impression on her. She went on to study music and dance and eventually found her way to taiko drumming when she was 30 years old. Since then, she has made it her mission to spread the joy of this musical form and help others experience the thrill of drumming. Paula believes that drumming is part of your spirit, and the first beat we all hear is the heartbeat of our mother.
When I began to play taiko, it was not very common (compared to other instruments) and I felt like it was my purpose to spread the joy of taiko to the community. Anybody can learn to play; you don’t need musical training. And it is a very physical artform, so it is good for exercise and physical health as well! It was a very internal feeling of spreading the joy of my passion.
On Interesting traditions, rituals or techniques that the club practices, she shares that when they practice they begin in a circle and bow to each other in respect, and say the phrase “Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu”. “This phrase can be interpreted in many ways depending on the situation, but we use it as a way to honour each other in mutual respect. We also end practice in this way, with “Otsukaresama deshita”, as a way to thank each other for our hard work together.”
The club is working towards a regular annual concert series that will become a staple in the Calgary arts community. She adds, “This will ensure that taiko has a regular presence and can reach many Calgarians, for them to enjoy. With our education program, we would like anyone to come and experience the drums for themselves. You really do feel the beat inside your soul when you play taiko.”
Over the past year, members have been learning taiko repertoire with virtual education with San Jose Taiko, Eitetsu Hayashi in Japan, and the Los Angeles Taiko Institute. “We are also learning other instruments such as shinobue (bamboo flute) and shamisen (3-stringed instrument similar to a lute). Virtual education has been a silver lining of COVID, where we have the ability to learn from a distance, without the additional travel costs.”
For those who want to learn taiko drumming, Yama no Oto offers classes at the MRU Conservatory, with 8-week courses that provide a comprehensive introduction to the art form. The group is passionate about bringing the community together and drumming up a storm, and they welcome anyone who wants to join in on the fun.
In conclusion, Yama no Oto is a vibrant and dedicated taiko drumming club that is working to bring this rich cultural tradition to Calgary and its surrounding areas. With a focus on performance, education, and community, the group is working to preserve and celebrate the spirit of taiko drumming and share it with others. So, whether you’re a seasoned drummer or someone who’s just starting out, Yama no Oto is the perfect place to experience the thrill of taiko drumming.
