日本語

INADANI
Taiko Drumming Course

with

Wadaiko Artist
Art Lee



"GRAND TOUR"

COURSE "A"
June 14th - 19th, 2010
Beginner Course


COURSE "B"
June 21st - 26th, 2010
Intermediate Course


This course is designed for the purpose of bringing the taiko practitioner
closer to understanding the art that is Wadaiko in Japan.
For this reason, the training site,
nestled between the mountains of Shimoina,
was specifically chosen to enhance
an experience and atmosphere which cannot be had
in any other country of the world.
This course offers a unique experience as it takes place
in the heart of Japan - Nagano Prefecture.
It is here that taiko, as a performing art, was created.
Each participant will be surrounded by and immersed in the culture
from which comes the heart and spirit of the Wadaiko.

Course Content
This course will emphasize various Taiko drumming styles from the region and from
around Japan....as well as fusing drumming styles and techniques from other world music.
Participants will start with the traditional styles and techniques of the area
and continue with original and complex compositions.
It will be a great opportunity to experience first-hand,
styles and techniques which are rarely known or taught outside of Japan.


Training sessions will be from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.
Participants will be training in the Achi Village Community Center, which is a full theatre.
Participants will have the opportunity to meet local taiko players both inside and outside of
joint playing sessions.
Afterwards, there will be plenty of free time to explore
the surrounding villages, city and mountains.


2010 will also feature guest instructors from around Japan
INADANI Taiko Drumming Course participants will have a chance
to learn from a special selection of Japan's top performers and instructors as part of the course.


As a culmination of the course, participants will have learned a piece which may be played
during the Saiwai Shimoina Wadaiko Fringe Festival concert.  Participants will have the option of performing that
piece together with Art Lee and Wadaiko Ensemble TOKARA.

About the Teacher

Art Lee, renowned artist and performer of the Japanese art form known as taiko, is the first non-Japanese ever to be awarded an artist visa by the Japanese government to teach taiko and lead the life of a professional taiko artist in Japan.
    On October 15th, 2005, Art won First Place in the Solo Odaiko section of the most prestigious and renowned taiko contest in the World - The Tokyo International Wadaiko Contest   
    Before becoming a solo artist in 2001, he was a featured performer with groups including the Sacramento Taiko Dan and one of the top taiko groups in the world, Ondekoza.
    Utilizing his extensive training in both traditional and modern taiko techniques, he continues to perform all over the world, as well as teach in both English and Japanese to taiko enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
    In addition to his teaching and solo performing schedule, he is the resident instructor of Koihime Daiko, as well as the leader and Artistic Director of his own group, Wadaiko Ensemble TOKARA. He is also a member and part-time instructor with Grandmaster Daihachi Oguchi and Osuwa Daiko.

For more information about Art Lee:
visit his website at:
http://www.tokara.net/ArtLee
Art Lee Taiko Pamplet
PDF Format:
Page 1   Page 2   Page 3   Page 4



Surrounding Area
Nagano Prefecture is widely known as the outdoor capital of Japan.
No other prefecture offers better hiking and trekking, and Nagano
is internationally known for it's winter sports facilities.
Achi Village is situated close to the southern tip of Nagano Prefecture.
The location of the village allows access to either neighboring Iida city, or for those who
prefer much larger cities - Nagoya City, which is only 1.5 hours south.

For those who wish to venture farther,
Hakuba, where the 1998 Winter Olympics were held,
is in the same prefecture, just 2 hours north.

Tokyo and Kyoto are equally distanced from the village and on direct bus route.

Heavens Sonohara, the local ski resort is the largest in the southern half of Nagano, and
Hirugami Onsen, which includes Misaka Ryokan, is one of the most popular hot springs resorts
in all of Japan.


Transportation
Unless travelling to other parts of Japan before or after the course, participants should arrive
at the nearest major airport which is Centrair, Chubu International Airport (Nagoya).
After arrival, take the bus or train to Nagoya Station,
and walk to the Nagoya Meitetsu Bus Center. Then take the highway bus to Komaba Bus stop - 1.5 hours.  
From here you will be whisked to Misaka Ryokan.
From the Airport to Komaba Bus stop - about \3,600.
If travelling by train, it will be necessary to get off at Iida Station, then take a 25 minute
bus ride or taxi to Hirugami Onsen.

For those wishing to travel to other areas of Japan, the Japan Rail Pass is recommended.
The Japan Rail Pass is only available for purchase outside of Japan.


Accommodation

Participants will be staying at Misaka Ryokan, in Hirugami Onsen Resort,
one of Japan's most popular hot springs resorts.
Accommodation, In-hotel hot spa and breakfast are all included in the course fee.



Course Fee

***Course "A" June 14 - 19***
85,000yen per person
6 days (7nights accommodation)
subject to currency exchange rates.

***Course "B" June 21 - 26***
85,000yen per person
6 days (7nights accommodation)
subject to currency exchange rates.

***"GRAND TOUR" June 14 - 26***
170,000yen per person
13 days (14 nights accommodation)
subject to currency exchange rates.

Application for
2010 INADANI Taiko Drumming Course
must be recieved by May 21st, 2010


To apply,
please go to the application page at:
www.wadaikoworld.net/inadaniapplication.html

or contact:
INADANI Taiko Drumming Course Association
TEL: (81)265-59-8768
Email: inadanitaiko@wadaikoworld.net






Art Lee | TOKARA | Misaka Ryokan