2023 TaikoGO! - Taiko Center of the Pacific Youth Group (4)

‪@ketetcp‬ Taiko Center of the Pacific Youth Group performance at the 2023 North American Taiko Conference Regional in Hilo, Hawai‘i.
Full Video of Concert: • 2023 TaikoGO! Concert ...
Livestream of Concert with ASL Interpretation: ruclips.net/user/livepN4RKiDyMjM?...
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Bio:
The Taiko Center of the Pacific Youth Group was established in 1994 by head instructor Kenny Endo to perpetuate the art of taiko and teach our youth about taiko, music, and Japanese culture. Affectionately referred to as the “YG,” they made their debut in Hawaii at the opening of stage II of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii. Since its inception, many youth have passed through the program, some continuing on to become leaders in the greater taiko world, forming taiko groups on college campuses, and taking an active role in perpetuating and teaching the art. The Taiko Center of the Pacific Youth Group has performed at the inaugural Youth Arts Festival in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the 2003 North American Taiko Conference in Sacramento, CA, on the Japanese Noto peninsula in 2008, as a featured guest at Zenshin Daiko’s Taiko Festival on Maui in 2013, and several times in Kenny Endo’s anniversary concerts at the Hawaii Theatre. The group is currently under the direction of director Brock Asato, a former YG member and current member of the Taiko Center of the Pacific Adult Performing Ensemble. The Youth Group currently ranges in age from 9-17 with various years of experience and training.
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Songs: "Nana Korobi Ya Oki" and "Rites of Thundering"
The Taiko Center of the Pacific Youth Group (referred to as “YG” for short) will be performing two compositions. The first piece they will be performing is titled Nana Korobi Ya Oki, which translates to “fall seven times, get up eight.” Nana Korobi Ya Oki is the newest piece in the YG’s repertoire and was composed by the current members of the YG under the direction and guidance of Brock Asato. The piece contains many patterns that have influences from both modern western music and kumi-daiko, attempting to make a composition around the current identity of the YG. As the YG constantly changes with new members entering and older members leaving for college every year, Nana Korobi Ya Oki represents the resilience within the current and future members of the YG that will continue to endure and flourish despite those changes.
The second piece the YG will be performing is titled Rites of Thundering. Rites of Thundering was composed by Kenny Endo, and the composition was dedicated to all young taiko drummers who esteem to be the next wave of taiko “thunderers.” As a homage to Kenny and Chizuko Endo for creating the Taiko Center of the Pacific Youth Group, the YG performs Rites of Thundering to continue their mission to preserve Japanese drumming and inspire new taiko players to create new music for taiko.
As the North American Taiko Conference continues to evolve, the Taiko Center of the Pacific Youth Group evokes fond memories of former NATCs. They inspire future youth taiko players and are a testament to the growth and development of the art form. Having performed in the first Taiko Ten in Sacramento at the 2003 NATC, it is a wonderful fit for the YG to perform in the first TAIKOGO! Concert.
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Videography by Viola Lee with audio/video mixing by Gregory Wada.

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