Swarthmore Taiko Ensemble - Lion Chant - Fall Dance Concert Sat 12-3-22 (1080)

Swarthmore Taiko Ensemble at Fall '22 Dance Concert
Saturday, 12-3-22, Lang Performing Arts Center.

"Lion Chant"
Composition: Shoji Kameda
Arrangement and expanded material: Joe Small and members of Swarthmore Taiko Ensemble

Performers: Liya Chang, Sarah Chang ‘23, Pedro Cruz, Myles Farrall, Abdul Jeter, Anna Jing, Emma Jin ‘23, Lucas Liu, Koji Flynn-Do ‘23, Clara Mulligan, Kieran Mulligan, Quincy Ponvert ‘23, Kyra Roepke, Paul Seth ‘23, Moss Wacker, Jennie Williams, Joe Small (director)

Special Guest (drum kit): Wesley Rast

Costume Design: Joe Small

Lighting Design: James Murphy

Notes:
Showcasing contemporary taiko’s transcultural, transnational capacity, “Lion Chant” brings into conversation sophisticated, urbane rhythms of Edo Kotobuki Jishimai (‘Old Tokyo Lion Dance’, dating to the 17th century), interlocking chants of Balinese Kecak ritual, and a funk-rock-metal feel.

This semester STE focused on embodying the unexpected subtleties of fuse-uchi (flat-playing technique), and honing the precision needed for complex interlocking, syncopated rhythms on multiple taiko. Special thanks to super-amazing percussionist Wesley Rast for working with us on ensemble skills -- and for joining STE on this adventure!

Special Thanks:
Shoji Kameda, Masato Baba, and On Ensemble
Wes, Scott, Tom, Brady, Murph, Dom and LPAC staff
STE members present and past.
Isaku Kageyama, the Youngs, B. Johnson, C. Slade, Ross the Boss, E. Adams, Z. de la Rocha, T. Commerford, T. Morello, B. Wilk, Naruwan Taiko, Mac Evans and Casual Fifth, Ai Matsuda, Kenny Endo, Kyosuke Suzuki, Koyu, and Eitetsu Hayashi.

[CriticalMassCreative]

Met one of your students (Kimi-yay) tonight at the NJPaC for the Taiko Drum /Kodo Drummers on March 14, 2023 (Alexandra & Justin). Thank you professor for bringing this art to a new generation! ❤ Arigatou gozaimasu!