Japanese Music, Folk Tales, and Dances

This international ensemble presents the legends, the music, and the folk dances of Japan through the traditional percussions of Taiko drums and through the shakuhachi and the fue (both bamboo flutes). The artists introduce various traditional Japanese instruments, teaching Japanese vocabulary related to these instruments along with the history of the ancient festivals that inspired the music. Students virtually travel to various areas of Japan to experience the music, the stories, and the dances that honor its culture. As exemplified by their playing of the Taiko drums, this workshop and performance is rich with student participation.