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The
Kampong Chai Chee Community Centre Management Committee set up the
Kampong Chai Chee CC Daiko, the Japanese drum (taiko) group, in
December 1997. It was the
first of its kind to be set up at a community centre in
Singapore
.
Over
the years, the group has done over 70 performances both locally and
overseas. These included
major national events such as the National Day Parade 2000 –
Carnival At The Bay, Chingay Parade in the year 2001 and 2003,
Singapore Arts Festival 1998 & 1999.
They drew overwhelming applause during their overseas
performances at Club Med Cherating in Kuantan 2002 and another
performance in
Yokohama
,
Japan
in the year 2003.
These
dedicated drummers have also been trained in
Japan
under Sensei Hatsumi Ishikura of Kantou Abaredaiko.
Exchange programmes were held with overseas daiko groups and
friends from Nihonkai Taiko of Kashiwazaki City
and Kamikata Taikoren – Japan, Mr. John Ko of Soh Daiko from
the US and Mr. Mark Alcock of Greenwich Meantime Taiko of United
Kingdom. In March 2007,
the drummers embarked on another trip to
Japan
to train intensively under Mr. Hiroyuki Hayashida, a well know Okedo
(sling drum) instructor and taiko player with the group “Zi-Pang”.
A brief training session
was held with Japanese Folk Entertainment Performance Company,
Araumaza Taiko, which widens the drummers’ experience of playing
drums with the accompaniment of flute, percussions and singing.
The drummers also had a rare opportunity to attend a Miyake
workshop conducted by Mr. Akio Tsumura, who taught the original form
of Miyake to the world renowned taiko group, KODO.
Kampong
Chai Chee CC Daiko aims to promote traditional and contemporary styles
of Japanese drumming. The
group also seeks to explore new musical dimensions such as
incorporating other culturally unique musical forms, composing and
creating their own music.
Japanese drumming is a challenging physical exercise for all
age groups. The drummers
are trained to swing their arms high and wide with stylized
coordination of legs and body movements.
This form of drumming produces thunderous beats and rhythms
which can be enjoyed across diverse cultures.
Come and enjoy the vibrancy of TAIKO!! Discover how you can keep
yourself physically and mentally active; and de-stress the fun way.
Training classes are
held every Wednesday from
7.30pm
to
9.30pm
at the Kampong Chai Chee Community Centre. Sign
up as a Passion Card member now and enjoy six (6) months training at
just a nominal fee of $60.00 ($70.00 for non-member).
If you wish to watch the drummers in practice or
have a free trial lesson, do visit us on Wednesdays.
For more information and reservation of trial lesson, please
call the CC at 62419878 or email us at daiko@ekampong.com.sg
January 2008 edition
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