KASA/MIX TOUR 2005
Kodo Village
"I
look back on the Sado Island tour as some of the happiest days of my life--second
only to the birth of my children, in fact."
-Stan Shikuma,
Seattle KokonTaiko
KASA/MIX TOUR 2005 |
"I
look back on the Sado Island tour as some of the happiest days of my life--second
only to the birth of my children, in fact." |
Kodo
Arts Sphere America and RhythMix Cultural Works present KASA/MIX TOUR 2005 to Sado Island September 1st - September 12th. |
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Kodo Apprentices |
This is an incredible opportunity to study the Folkloric drumming, song and dance of Japan. KASA/MIX TOUR 2005 will take you to the Kodo Apprentice Center on Sado Island to study with the internationally renowned Kodo artists Eiichi Saito, Yoko Fujimoto and Chieko Kojima. The apprentice center is located in a beautiful mountainous area near the Japan Sea. Here you will experience life where Kodo’s apprentices are training, and local people are preparing "Demon Taiko" for festival performances. |
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"My
time with Kodo, on Sado Island has given me new energy and more passion
for the art of taiko." "I
think that nothing can compare to having workshops on Sado....overall
experience of visiting the Kodo facilities and meeting the Kodo staff,
apprentices and instructors. Of course we learn a lot during the workshops
but the experience as a whole is much more." |
Taiko workshop |
Asakusa |
KASA/MIX TOUR 2005 will start in Tokyo with a visit to the Miyamoto Taiko Drum Museum in Asakusa, and include special activities in Tokyo to be announced on the website soon.
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Miyamoto Drum Museum |
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Traveling by train and ferry we will go to Sado Island to rest at the Ogi no Yu onsen (hotsprings) and stay at Hana no Ki Inn before embarking on the 5 days of sessions at Kodo's apprentice center. Hana no Ki is located in the classic Japanese village of Shukunegi. It is owned by a famous potter, and serves splendid local cuisine. |
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| "A
year ago today I returned to my home in the mountains of Wakayama. I had
just spent ten wonderful days drumming with an extraordinary group of people,
sharing an amazing experience that will live in my memory as one of the
greatest in my lifetime." -Mark H Rooney, Odaiko New England, Kishu Ryujin Daiko, and Shippu Uchi Daiko |
Dinner at Hananoki
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Kodo's Eiichi Saito has emerged as not only a central performer on stage but as the group's primary workshop leader. Eiichi's workshops focus on developing a passionate approach to playing taiko. His workshops mix hard work, hard play and the high-energy style that has become Eiichi's trademark. The workshops are aimed at promoting expression through physical awareness, not only for drummers but for anybody who wants to know about the approach to drumming that is central to Kodo's life.... |
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| "In
Eiichi’s workshops, I got what I had really wanted when I decided
to apply for the trip, to be absolutely connected to the joy I have for
playing taiko." Carol Murry - Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble trainee |
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"To
add dance to your daily regime is to fill each day with more energy, passion
and zest for life. In my workshop, you won’t merely learn dance
steps, it is my hope that you will also discover the vitality of ancient
dances which have been passed down from generation to generation. I feel
that power every time I dance, and it is my dream to share this invigorating
force with as many people as possible." |
Chieko Kojima Born in Ofune, Tochigi-prefecture, Chieko Kojima joined Ondekoza in 1976 and thus began her encounter with folk dancing. Since the formation of Kodo, Chieko has carved out a niche for herself as the principal dancer for the group, and is noted for her original dance style. Recently Chieko has also been performing with ‘Hanayui’. and traveling with her solo performance series, ‘Yukiai’.
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Chieko dance workshop |
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Yoko Fujimoto "There are many ‘hearts’ within each of us, and each one holds a different voice. The day I realized that my voice didn’t have to be high or loud or large was the day I began to sing in my own way, and the beginning of a new path towards personal freedom of expression. The "Voice Circle" is a workshop I designed in order to share this joy with as many people as possible." -Yoko Fujimoto
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Yoko Fujimoto is an original Kodo member and the group’s principal vocalist. Both with Kodo and in solo projects, Yoko has collaborated with countless artists in countries throughout the world. Her recent projects include her role in ‘Hanayui’ and her ‘Voice Circle’ workshops. Don’t miss your chance to experience her magic.
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DAILY SCHEDULE AT KODO APPRENTICE CENTER
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Ready to clean the floor |
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Run to the top of the hill |
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The price of the trip includes all workshops, airfare, (from SFO, LAX or HNL) accommodations, local transportation to scheduled activities, most meals, museum, hot springs, and extra activities TBA. $2,750. We are encouraging taiko players, professional musicians and dancers to join us on this trip. Because there are only 20 spaces available and it is a special privilege to study with Kodo, an application is required. To receive an application or if you have any questions, please email Toni Yagami at: toni@turgenaux.com.
For more informantion check out Kodo Beat article on KASA/MIX 2003!
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Kodo does not usually have the general public stay at the Apprentice Center. It is a special opportunity to experience daily life at the Center. Kodo would like participants of the workshop to be aware of the following.
