Taiko Drums

The word "taiko" simply means "large drum" in Japanese, where it combines with other syllables to denote specific drums: Chudaiko, Odaiko, Shime Daiko, and others. Most of these are two-headed, barrel-shaped, wooden drums with the heads tacked on or laced on with rope. Various taiko drums are used in traditional genres of Japanese music, both in high art traditions such as gagaku and in folk music. Increasingly often, in Japan and especially among Asian American communities and in American university settings, the word has come to denote a new genre of drum ensemble music with traditional roots, and also the ensembles that perform this music. The best-known example of such a "taiko" or "taiko ensemble is the Kodo group, but similar groups such as Portland Taiko or Sacramento Taiko flourish in many communities.

Percussion Instruments