School
Performances
Toshi and Junko Taiko
Show
Toshi became a member of JAPEP (Japan Australia
Professional Exchange Program, now called Artsinspire) in 1996, an
organisation of cross-cultural professional exchange between Japan
and Australia. He started taiko classes at local primary and high
schools in and around Melbourne. In 1997, Toshi's wife Junko joined
in these taiko class activities. In that year, the classes received
a recommendation from the Victorian State Ministry of Education.
Junko Sakamoto
Born in Minatama, Kumamoto, Japan, Junko started playing an active
part in Kumamoto Rindo Taiko Conservation Club in 1995. In 1997 she
moved to Melbourne and joined husband Toshi in teaching taiko classes
and taking part in taiko performances.
Waraku Tomoe
Waraku Tomoe was formed in 1997 with Shakuhachi player Anne Norman.
The group was formally contracted by Nexus Arts, a well respected
arts agency in Australia. Since they have performed all over around
the Australian states and territories, with more than 100 schools
being covered in a year. In 2001, Waraku Tomoe's school performances
qualified for the official recognition by the Queensland Ministry
of Education.
Anne Norman
Born in Melbourne, Anne started learning to play the western flute
as a child. At Melbourne University she obtained a Bachelor of Music,
and later a Masters in Ethnomusicology at Monash Uni. In 1988 she
studied shakuhachi under Shindo Nakamura of the Ueda School, and in
1990 she furthered her studies at Tokyo University of the Arts, under
living treasure Goro Yamaguchi (Kinko School), and Tadashi Tajima.
Wasabi
In 2005, Wasabi was formed with Tsugaru-shamisen player Noriko Tadano
and Wadaiko Rindo member Nick Barlow. Combining taiko, Japanese flute
and shamisen, the group performs unique shows, playing traditional
style, to pop styled tunes with taiko beats.
Noriko Tadano
Born in Chiba prefecture, Japan, Noriko started learning traditional
Japanese folk songs and Tsugaru-shamisen at age 8, and started performing
locally. Settling in Melbourne in 2004, she started her solo performances.
Presently she runs shamisen classes, and formed a Tsugaru-shamisen
based group called "The Shamies", currently in action, performing
regularly.
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School
Performance Tour History
2008
Feb: Adelaide (SA)
May: Brisbane (QLD)
July: Brisbane (QLD)
Sept: Perth (WA)
2007
May: Adelaide (SA)
June: Perth (WA)
Oct: Brisbane, Gold Coast (QLD)
2006
September: Sydney, Newcastle (NSW)
July: Brisbane, Gold Coast (QLD)
June: Brisbane, Townsville (QLD)
May: Adelaide (SA)
2005
November: Adelaide (SA)
August: Perth, Kalgoorlie (WA)
May: Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Bundaberg (QLD)
2004
October: Canberra (ACT)
August: Brisbane, Cairns (QLD)
May: Perth, Geraldton (WA)
March: Hobart (TAS)
February: Adelaide, Victor Harbor (SA)
2003
July: Darwin (NT)
May: Brisbane, Gold Coast (QLD)
March: Perth, Bunbury (WA)
2002
July: Canberra (ACT)
June: Adelaide (SA)
May: Brisbane, Sunshine Coast (QLD)
2001
July: Canberra (ACT)
June: Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Mount Gambier (SA)
May: Brisbane, Gold Coast (QLD)
2000
May: Canberra (ACT)
1999
October: Hobart, Launceston, Devonport (TAS)
July: Brisbane (QLD)
June: Perth, Margaret River, Albany
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Coming to a school near you!
Toshi and Junko
Anne Norman
Wasabi
Noriko Tadano
Taiko workshops
Performing all around Australia |
