We look forward to seeing you!
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Taiko Classes
Now's your opportunity to try out taiko on a drop-in basis! Summer class sessions Wednesdays (6/28-7/19), 7:30-8:30pm. Contact us for location, cost, and questions.
Drumming equipment is provided, including taiko drums, bachi (drum sticks), and dai (stands). Bring your own ear plugs & water, and wear comfortable clothing and shoes. |
Upcoming Performances
John C. Fremont Days
July 14-16, 2017 Location: Downtown Fremont, NE On Main St. (corner of 1st & Main) Sun, July 16 Kokyo Taiko will be playing at 12:30pm, before the parade which starts at 1:30pm. We hope to see you there! |
Kokyo Taiko Drummers
Wadaiko, Japanese style drumming, has been described as dynamic, thunderous, and powerful; the sound can be felt in your soul. Kokyo Taiko, based in Lincoln, brings this exciting art of choreographed drumming to communities throughout Nebraska and surrounding states.
With the sound of the drums resonating in the soul of both performer and listener, Kokyo's members savor this connection to their beloved Japanese culture and feel proud to share this amazing tradition with their audiences.
THANK YOU to all our supporters!
With the sound of the drums resonating in the soul of both performer and listener, Kokyo's members savor this connection to their beloved Japanese culture and feel proud to share this amazing tradition with their audiences.
THANK YOU to all our supporters!
About Us
Having played with a community based wadaiko group in Japan, Kokyo's leader, Maureen Brase-Houchin, wanted to continue this wonderful combination of exercise and music after returning to America. She began by teaching taiko to Japanese exchange students and American students studying Japanese language. Those first few years involved short term practices in order to perform at annual events celebrating Japanese culture.
Maureen (left) with Deb.
Longing for permanence and encouraged by her dedicated taiko students, Maureen formed Kokyo Taiko in 2004. Tim Jensen, one of her first students, and Deb Helzer, who also played in a community taiko group in Japan, helped give depth to Kokyo with their experience. Ironically, the Kokyo members who are from Japan (now Lincoln residents), did not play taiko in Japan. Their introduction to taiko came in Nebraska, from an American (albeit half-Japanese!). The opportunity to learn wadaiko so far away from home has been especially rewarding for those members.
