This project will focus on Taiko, an ancient traditional taiko drumming art. Dating back around 12,000 years, this art form required the use of Japanese drums, and although the name directly translates to ‘drum’ in Japanese, this art form also includes various other instruments. This form of art played a major part in Japan by being used as a form of communication, military action, theatrical accompaniment, and even religious ceremony. The main goals for this project will be to shine a light on the art form. The main media for this project would be video documentaries of Taiko drumming and taiko showcases, along with photographs and narration.
Sample video: Dokokara video
Outcomes:
- A documentary video that contains various videos with narration talking about the art of taiko
- The video should be at least 15-30 minutes
- The beginning will be a slideshow of pictures talking about taiko in ancient Japan
- Include a slideshow of ancient Japan (Battles, Kabuki theatre, etc.)
- Include a clip of taiko in a kabuki theatre
- Include a clip of taiko used in a ritual ceremony
- Include a clip of taiko in a festival
- Include a clip of taiko used in a normal performance
- Be able to share one clip of a 1st-person POV of what it’s like to play the drums
- Multiple clips with sound (on low)
- Various performances by Taiko Tides
- Try to include an interview (Will be difficult as many taiko artists are touring and are not currently in the U.S)
- Credits scene to acknowledge all of those who have assisted in the creation of the documentary
Methods and Materials
- Video Camera
- Tripod
- Lav Mics
- Audio Recorder
- Tripod (For video camera)
- Gopro Camera
- Chest Harness for GoPro Camera
- MicroSD/SD cards for cameras
Research References
- Finding HERbeat film
- Taiko-Lab by Taiko Center Co., Ltd
- Hiryu project
Project Description
The subject of this project will be Taiko drumming as a whole, highlighting the beginnings starting from ancient Japan, the rediscovery of taiko past the ancient times, the development and modernization of taiko through the years, and the eventual spread of taiko worldwide. Major issues that arise with the history of taiko would be the issues of longevity due to the learning system taiko uses in which the traditional pieces made to be played on the taiko drums can usually only be taught by a master with permission and usually it is taught through workshops in which you would be imitating the rhthyms, or the piece would be taught through word of mouth. The project would eventually end on highlighting Taiko Tides, a local group formed at Stony Brook University, which is one of the first collegiate groups formed on the East Coast in 2001 by a former biology professor, Joan Miyazaki.
Documentary linked here
Research Essay: Research Essay