Taiko Center of the Pacific

I'm just a newbie to this world but am certainly enjoying the community, the learning, and challenge. One of the things that sets TCP apart from other "music " centers is that they seem to focus on providing cultural connection, learning, and understanding with the added bonus of inclusivity - ohana. If you're looking for a way to increase movement, art, joy, and culture in your life, you should consider a class at TCP.

My son started the taiko tots class online during Covid. When we finally went to in person classes we were so excited to learn and interact with the instructors and other students. They did a great job teaching the young kids basic skills in English and Japanese. He quickly moved up to the beginners I class and is now in beginning II. He loves going every Sunday and I'm so impressed by how much he's learned over the year when the classes get to showcase their skills at the annual end of the year performance. All instructors and helpers have been very kind and patient with the children and really show their passion for art. We're very happy to be a part of this group and would recommend it to anyone interested in joining too.

Former TCPYG member here! What a great way to learn about Japanese culture and arts! I was with TCP from age 9-17 and Kenny and Chizuko Senseis (along with my other senseis) taught me so much about the art of taiko and made me so proud of my heritage. Back then, we were at the KCC Chapel and I have many fond memories of cleaning, loading/unloading for performances, bonenkais, and hours of blood (mostly just blisters), sweat, and tears from laughing and having so much fun together. Thank you TCP for continuing to support the community with this art form. I hope to one day be able to show my child (if I have one) what a great sport/art form/culture taiko is!

Three months ago I hit my first taiko drum and was overwhelmed with the singular thought of "I am home." I had returned from a lifetime voyaging the open sea, I had found the roots that rolled deeply into the earth of my ancestors, I had opened the window to my past life as a warrior beating drum messages across snowy mountaintops. With every drum strike reverberating through my ribcage I found the meaning of life and the purpose of existence and discovered wells of passion I did not know I was capable of.I also super sucked. Like, so much. It turns out over a decade of jewelry making renders one's left wrist as mobile as a steel rod. I could feel my past-life self peering at me through squinted eyes, shaking her head slowly while murmuring dismay at how poorly her abilities transferred over the centuries.But I practiced. My girlfriend and I made our own at-home taiko tires, we wound up taking three classes a week instead of just one, I watched videos and listened to music and practiced and practiced and I am happy to say that my left wrist has now attained the mobility of a somewhat tender stick of beef jerky. Hoping to progress to a licorice twist by the fall. It's all about the goals, people.My Adult Beginners 1 class was taught by Kenny and Chizuko Endo. THE Kenny Endo. I am not sure people understand what a master he is, or what a dynamic powerhouse she is, or what an absolute honor it is to study under such a world-renowned, internationally-acclaimed taiko artist whose autograph people stand in line for at conferences all over the world. In Beginners 1. Suffice to say, I am in love. I am in love with taiko and have met people who are equally in love with taiko and I am finishing my second session and cannot wait to begin my third. Our first time meeting, a retiree whispered to me "Taiko changes your life," and she has been absolutely right.THE USEFUL:If you do not receive a confirmation email, show up anyway. Go to Washington Middle School, find the separate band building located in the back right hand corner of campus and either enter the doors on the right for the chorale room or the doors on the left for the band room. Go. Persist and be rewarded.They offer classes beginning at age 2 all the way up to really really old. You are never too old to play taiko. As my eldest daughter likes to say "You are only too old if you are dead." She has a way with words, that one.If it your very first time, you will be able to purchase a pair of bachi (sticks) that range in price from $15-$30 and earplugs. Buy the earplugs. Wear the earplugs. Do not be a hero and lose your hearing.Students are expected to repeat Beginners 1 and progress to the next level when they are ready. I encourage all beginners (and non-beginners) to also take Festival Music for a different type of taiko experience. In Festival Music there is some singing, there is movement, there is exposure to different instruments and if you'd like to attend the class with your 10-year-old you are more than welcome to make it a family affair.There is an adult deaf class! How amazing is that!IF YOU HAVE CHILDREN:Sign them up for taiko. Taiko will teach them musicality, rhythm, precision, self-control, discipline, patience, finesse, respect and so many other things I know you want your children to have. And maybe someday they can progress their way to the youth performance team, and you can watch them drumming their hearts out and cry with joy because your kid is just so amazing and talented and focused and beautiful. The End.

I have been a fan of Taiko for many years. When I retired, I began taking Taiko classes with Kenny, Chizuko and the 'team'. In the past, I had very little rhythm but with much support and encouragement, I began to hold a beat. My experience was outstanding at many levels. I learned not only the basics of Taiko, but history and etiquette. To honor our teachers, fellow students, the equipment, and the room was conveyed in a positive manner. As I had been away from being a student for many years, I was delighted with the kindness, care, encouragement, and professionalism that had been shown. My experience with Taiko Center of the Pacific, with Kenny and Chizuko has been outstanding. They provide a wonderful and useful experience for people of all ages and talents. It was a delight to observe the classes with the children.I am thankful to Kenny and Chizuko for all that they do and have done in adding value to the community and to me.

I have been taking taiko for over 10 years and love everything about it, Kenny sensei and his wife Chizuko sensei are awesome instructors. I first got hooked into the sound of the drumming when I used to dance for our church during bon season when I was a kid and as I got older looked into taking taiko but at that time only place that offered it was in Wahiawa which was too far for my travel. When my sister told me about TCP and she was going to join and was located in town, could not pass it up. Best time in my life learning taiko and met a lot of great people and made new friends. Highly recommend learning taiko as a hobby.

I have been taking taiko classes at TCP for about 2 years now and I love every minute of it!!! Since I am deaf, I had asked If they could establish a class for the deaf/hard-of-hearing community (oh yes, we can "hear" by feeling the vibrations from taiko drums!), Chizuko Endo Sensei gladly took the opportunity to teach us starting in 2017. It is a lot of work for us to practice and memorize the taiko patterns but we always find it very rewarding to learn and be able to play. "Doomo arigato" to Chizuko Sensei and her wonderful assistants (and Kenny Endo Sensei) for believing in us that we can play taiko despite our hearing loss! Highly recommend TCP!!!

Into Taiko? This is an excellent place to get started as well as to hang with others that share the same passion with the art of taiko. My son has been taking taiko from this place since he was a little kid and has been with Taiko Center of the Pacific (TCP) since then. It's been years! The end of celebration of the various classes (held in December) is a great way of networking with others that share the same excitement of playing taiko drums.

I met this cute Japanese girl on CoffeeMeetsBagel who was in to three things: manga, wine and taiko. I love wine, don't care much for manga and didn't know anything about taiko. She suggested i check out Taiko Center of the Pacific. At the time I knew next to nothing about Japanese drumming and I have never really considered myself to be musically inclined... but, man, am I glad I went. What a blast! Classes are so much fun. The teachers are really chill and the other drummers are very patient with my ineptitude. Everyone is encouraging. Added benefit: It turns out that taiko is a pretty good workout as well. I always leave the class feeling pumped and energized for the rest of the day. If you want to learn a little about Japanese culture, meet interesting people and get some exercise at the same time, Taiko Center of the Pacific is a great choice.

Great taiko school. Many options and convenient schedule. From Family Taiko, Taiko Tots (2-4 y.o.), Youth, Adults, Taiko for Deaf people. You can train as hobby and even get in their Youth Group or their adult performing group if you want to commit more.