PRC UPDATES

Last updated 10/7/26

Hi everyone,

(View this email online here: https://www.taikoconservatory.org/prc-resources)
Great to see everyone yesterday!

Next week, Franco will be in Minneapolis, but Yurika will be in the studio. Looking forward to seeing you!

Yurika & Franco

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🥁 PRACTICING AT HOME

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CLASS CONTENT

  • Class recording from 10/6/26 (Videos are only shared with current students.)

    • Check-in Question: “What were you doing in 1974?”

    • Warm-ups

    • Introduction to Yorokobi Taiko (Happy Drums): Written in 1974 by Steve Yamaguma, Yorokobi Taiko was San Jose Taiko’s first original composition, which featured a cowbell. We’ll be learning a funk version of this piece!

      • Line A: -Ka | Ka-Ka Ka-Ka Ka-Ka - x 4 (starts on a pick-up)

      • Line B: - Do | Don Ka-Ka Ka-Ka - x 4 (starts on a pick-up)

    • ASL review: Alphabet - L, M, N, O, P

    • Yorokobi Taiko: Ji (basebeats)

      • Straight beat: DoRo DoRo DoRo DoRo….

      • “Don Splat/Press”: DoN Press “hup” Don Press…

    • Cool Down

    • Bow out: Otsukare sama deshita

Videos of various versions of Yorokobi Taiko:

PLAYING TAIKO AT HOME

  • Tutorial on making a bucket taiko at home: 

  • Other taiko at home ideas - you could purchase a drum pad and stand like this one. 

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📞 PAYMENT & COMMUNICATION

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  1. Purchase a 4-class or 10-class package here. It is like a virtual “punch card.” https://sanjosetaiko.vbotickets.com/event/Parkinsons_Recreational_Class/183094

  2. Or pay in person via check or cash (4 classes for $48 or 10 classes for $120) 

  3. No student will be turned away for lack of funds, no questions asked.

  4. Bachi (drumsticks) can be purchased to be mailed (ask Franco/Yurika for details) 

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🗓️ UPCOMING SAN JOSE TAIKO and PD EVENTS:

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(Feel free to let me know if you’d like to post something here!)

Saturday, October 31: Halloween in Japantown (5th & Jackson Streets)

https://taiko.org/halloween

October 16-18: Swingposium in Minneapolis

https://taiko.org/swingposium

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🌱 COMMUNITY CORNER:  (Feel free to let me know if you would like to share something here.)

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  • In case you missed it:  Virginia deRaddo’s documentary featuring our very own Dianne!

Classes:

PD Resources:

Learning ASL:

  • Highly recommended class by Franco: https://languagepriority.com/collections/asl-classes (Franco says, "The owner Sara is Deaf and such a fun teacher amd advocate for the community. Each class requires weekly practice so if you're serious about learning she's amazing.”)

  • Also: https://www.theaslshop.com/courses ("If you want to learn signs without the pressure of a live class the Lingvano app is like Duolingo for ASL. There's a subscription but I figure it's supporting a Deaf operated business.”)

  • ASL class via Santa Clara County Library District website

  • Lastly, check out the Lingvano app

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✏️ REMINDERS and NOTES:

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CALENDAR (Subject to change)

OCTOBER

6 - In-person & Zoom

13 - In-person & Zoom

20 - In-person & Zoom

27 - In-person & Zoom

NOVEMBER (TBD)