EnglishTaiko drum group Shien of the Wadaiko Education Center at Kyoto University of Art and Design, not only celebrates the majesty and power of the taiko drum in their moving performances, but also strives to use their holistic “mind-technique-body” drumming method to teach children and individuals with Autism and Down’s Syndrome.
Drums are among the oldest musical instruments in human history. Upon hearing a drumbeat, people feel compelled to stop and listen to the rhythmic beats that so perfectly echo the sound of our own hearts. Kyoto taiko drum group Shien, teachers of Wadaiko at Wadaiko Education Center at Kyoto University of Art and Design, celebrates the majesty and power of the taiko drum, seamlessly weaving driving rhythms with sweeping choreography. Beyond their global performances in the Czech Republic, Italy and Poland, Shien Wadaiko has collaborated with Warusha Wapiano Quintet and with classical ballet projects. Shien Wadaiko aspires, however, to move beyond performance using their wholistic“mind-technique-body”drumming method to teach children and individuals with Autism and Down’s Syndrome. In the hands of Shien Wadaiko, the taiko drum is not only an instrument of beauty and power, but is also a tool of limitless potential and growth.
