Taiko: a community that performs and grows to the beat of their own drums

Loud. Energetic. Welcoming.

According to a long-time member of Taiko, Joshua Lau ’26, these three words encapsulate the student group. Taiko is an ancient Japanese drum tradition dating back to the sixth century C.E., and it has been growing in prominence within the Princeton community.

Taiko began as a course around 2010 until 2015, when it was converted into a student group and a popular Wintersession workshop. The group grew until COVID-19 hit, causing membership to drop down to only two people at one point. However, the group has been growing ever since. Today, Taiko has around 20 members.

The group practices multiple times a week. After visiting one of their practice sessions, it is evident that they have built a tight-knit community. Lau mentioned that Taiko is many things, but its identity ultimately boils down to a place where one can vibe, hit big drums, and not worry about the many stresses of Princeton. The group is very beginner-friendly, and its members enthusiastically teach and learn from one another. Jumping into a new instrument or style of performance may seem intimidating. Yet, Taiko fosters an inviting environment and offers a musical platform for all its members, no matter their background or experience in playing traditional instruments.

Practicing Taiko involves many elements. One must keep a low stance, have dynamic variance and tone, and maintain unison with other members. The artistry is deeply rooted in the traditional drumming practice, with members twirling their bachi (drumsticks) in between certain hits and fully extending their bodily movements to create the perfect sound. Members teach one another how to practice and preserve these techniques, and many of their performances feature solo parts for every member to shine.

However, practices are not just technical. The group also has fun through drum-based games, including a unique take on Uno: group members walk around a circle of drums and carefully listen to cues given by a leader. A certain drum hit from the leader directs participants to move to another drum while another kind of hit means to walk in reverse, and finally, a third type of hit signals players to skip a drum in the circle. The hits from the leader’s drum increase in tempo in an attempt to get players to mess up and eliminate them. The last two players standing face off in a solo showdown, and the group votes for the best soloist, who then claims victory. This game is just another testament to the strong and unique community Taiko fosters.

Many members love Taiko because of the traditional Japanese elements such as meditation and bowing at the start and end of practice. They also enjoy trying to replicate professionals, preparing synchronized songs and practice drills, getting physically stronger, and breaking the occasional bachi.

For now, the group is preparing for their upcoming performance. The setlist will feature a variety of traditional and modern songs. They are currently practicing Miyake, a powerful and traditional piece including members playing the drum sideways, as well as Lion Chant, a contemporary piece by Shoji Kameda inspired by Japanese and Indonesian traditional music.

Taiko will perform in the East Pyne Courtyard on December 9th at 1:00 p.m. to kick off reading period. The loudness of the drums, the energy of the performers, and the close-knit community of Taiko will be on full display, promising an exciting show for all spectators.

Connor Romberg is a contributing writer for The Prospect from Winneconne, Wis. He can be reached at cr6965@princeton.edu.