Say it with me: A-ta-ri-ga-ne!

Yesterday, less than 24 hours after I had ordered it from Rolling Thunder, I received my shiny, brand-new atarigane. This bowl-shaped object started out as the bane of my existance. For some reason (at my dojo anyway), playing narimono (any kind of bells or shakers that add an extra dimension to a song) is seen as an afterthought, or something that beginners play when they don't know the song. Kind of like if there aren't enough drum positions, then go shake something. I don't know why we don't take narimono more seriously. Often when I hear taiko being played, it's the narimono that I start tapping my feet to. So, since there aren't enough positions to play on one of our songs, Cranes, I have been assigned to narimono. Specifically, the atarigane. When I first received the position, I was a little upset. I thought: you mean I have to go tinkle-tinkle instead of play on a real drum? I instantly realized how selfish that was--even if I was only thinking it. But then I decided, well, if I'm gonna play this thing, then I'm gonna OWN it, baby! I'm going to be the E-Taiko atarigane master!

The only problem is, I don't know how to really play the thing. That's why I decided to get one of my own. Rolling Thunder is an excellent resource for all your taiko supplies. I've bought tons of bachi from them, and they are unbelievably responsive and fast. Did I already mention the less than 24 hour turnaround time? (note: they are located one town away, so don't quote me on that 24 hour thing--just be impressed) So now I have to find a way to muffle the thing so I can practice it at home. But just you wait. You're gonna see me on stage doing atarigane solos.