Educational Programming

Providing a well-rounded educational experience, Burlington Taiko offers both group performances for the whole school and residencies led by Paton Sensei. Performances are typically 60 minutes, and can adjust to accommodate school schedules. Between pieces, students are encouraged to ask questions about taiko and the group. Workshops provide students with the opportunity to play on the drums and learn a taiko piece themselves. Half day, full day programs and weeklong residencies are available on request. If desired, the curriculum may also include learning a traditional Japanese Obon dance, Shishimai Lion dance, discussions of growing up in Japan, percussion, drum building, how taiko groups train and learn songs, together with the history of taiko and its place in Japanese and American society today.

Burlington Taiko Group and its Sensei, Stuart Paton, conduct 50-75 school performances and residencies annually, providing approximately 5,000 students a year first-hand knowledge of the excitement and power of playing taiko. The purpose of our work in schools is to allow children in North America to further their appreciation for diverse cultures, and to see first hand, role models of adults expressing powerful, even fierce, creative energy in avenues that benefit the community. Taiko is just spectacular. The rhythms, the dancing, the brilliant colors are all especially engaging and compelling for children and young adults. We hope our work can inspire them to find constructive, creative outlets for their abundant energy and to do it with the dedication and joy we bring to our own discipline.