Drumming up a Storm

Yesterday there was crazy weather and major thunderstorms and over Australia. I tried dodging it on the way home without an umbrella, and was lucky to get only a little bit drenched. As loud and thunderous as the booms were over Sydney they were only a warm up for the sound barrage that I experienced later in the evening.

Probably around a year and a half ago I went to a Japanese drumming concert in the city. I was absolutely awed but the intensity of the barrage of sound and energy that was released into that concert hall. There were big drums and little drums all beating in unison with an athleticism that looked more like a martial arts display.

Last night I tried this experience for myself. The group that I saw performing was TaikOz, an Australian based Japanese Taiko Drumming outfit. I discovered not long after seeing their show that they offered classes for newbies like me. Last year I had been trying to find an appropriate window of opportunity to join one of their sessions. Just after Christmas I took the plunge and signed up. Yesterday was my first class.

Wow!! What an experience! It started off quite slowly with some gentle stretching that was infused with subtle Japanese culture. Then the drums (the Taiko) were arranged - Big ones, little ones, and huge ones. The class took up positions behind the drums and my nerves began to rise. The instructor handed out earplugs and at that point I realised this was going to be really, REALLY loud.

With no further prelude the drumming began. I was worried that I would feel quite uncoordinated and screw the beat up, but instead I fell into time easily and loved it. It was incredibly physical, starting with a wide half-squat stance that is held for the duration of the piece. The arm motion ranges from small beats near the drum to powerful beats where the arms are raised straight in the air before crashing down.

By the end or it my legs were shaking with the strain, I was drenched with sweat and my hands were beginning to blister and bruise. It was fantastic. Even with the earplugs the sound was massive, and was felt as much as heard. Now I just can't wait till next Wednesday for class number two.