Many thanks to Lynn for dropping by and leaving us this message:
I am in Tokyo as a visiting teacher with the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund’s Master Teacher Program, working on a joint project to be conducted in 2006-07 between Japanese and American schools. The project includes science, engineering, Japanese language and cultural arts components, working toward understanding between our countries via the children.
The Fulbright program has given access to many wonderful places, but one of the highlights of my stay was joining Amanojaku’s student group practice last Wednesday night. When I realized that Watanabe Sensei was leading the practice I was a bit nervous, wondering if someone of his status in the taiko world would be willing to have a student at my level join in. Sensei’s warm smile, sense of humor and encouragement made me immediately at ease, and I played harder (and longer!) than I have in quite a while.
The drills on the shime were a great way to begin class, and putting odaiko phrases together to form a longer drill was a wonderful way to challenge the memory (especially for my 50+ year old brain!), as well as endurance.
The members of the group, which I was glad to see were at various levels, were welcoming and helpful, coaching on the more difficult phrases and generously offering their place at the drum for each drill. I look forward to another visit and to going home to practice, practice, practice!
