Kata . . . and stuff

We're learning a new (to me anyway) song with tons of movement and beautiful kata. Nothing like beautiful kata to remind me how ungraceful I am. One of my goals in playing with Maze Daiko is to try to develop my kata and learn some cool new moves. One of the best things about watching really good performing groups like San Jose is their sharp kata, and it's amazing to see how even the most subtle of movements can add a whole new dimension to a piece. People are often attracted to the big booming sound of taiko, but I think that the right kata actually makes seeing taiko so impressive. The song I'm learning is in 6, which means weird timing. There's two lines of the song that I've just been struggling with. It's like I can play it, but I can't feel it in me. I like this struggle though. Brain and body, all working together.

Oh and we're having our own concert next month. Actually, we're sharing the stage with the wonderful group Ojala, and I guarantee it will be an exciting night of percussion. You should come. Bring a friend too while you're at it.

And I'm teaching taiko. Next week will be the last class of this session. That was fast! They seem to be enjoying themselves, and I had them playing Matsuri last night. I'm totally impressed since we've only had just had 3 classes. I like their spirit and energy. I'm trying to figure out how to teach the next session. This is just supposed to be an intro class, but people are coming to the next session and some to the session after that. So do I teach a new song? Teach the same one over again? I guess we'll see.

So busy lately!