More About Ho Etsu Taiko
We’ve put together this website to help you get to know Ho Etsu – just follow any of these links (or keep scrolling to learn about our history and membership). If you need more information feel free to contact us.
Our Performing Ensemble
Emily Harada
Tiana Pyer-Pereira
Ryan Toguri
Eric Amemiya
Audrey Knox
Rebecca Morgan
Niveda Tennety
Ho Etsu Alumni
Talented Creators, Dynamic Performers, Friends Forever
Dana Johnson
Susan Park
Anabel Hirano
Jason Matsumoto
Alexa Tang
Oscar Chen
Kelsey Volkmann
Jamie Eyster
Donny Ha
Ho Etsu Executive Administration
Dana Johnson
President, Ho Estu BoardJason Matsumoto
Director Emeritus
History of Ho Etsu
Ho Etsu Taiko was established in 2000 when a group of Midwest Buddhist Temple’s Sunday School parents expressed an interest in keeping the high school taiko class together to create a youth performing group. These students had been playing together since they were 7 years old. This group was led by Jerry and Lynne Matsumoto, former members of MBT Taiko, who had been teaching Sunday School taiko since 1980. A successful fundraising campaign was launched to raise $10,000 from current and alumni members as well as temple members to purchase drums for the group. Through the years Ho Etsu has grown from a Sunday School group to a powerful performing ensemble in its own right, learning traditional kumi-daiko styles with an emphasis on self-expression and creativity.
We will always be grateful to Reverend Ogui, MBT Resident Minister 1992-2004, who was our most ardent advocate in creating Ho Etsu. Sensei felt strongly that it was essential to pass the leadership torch to younger players so the creativity of the group would continue to evolve. We are also grateful to Rev. Ogui for his thoughtful naming of the group, “Ho Etsu, to spread joy”.
Ho Etsu represents a passionate energy and lively spirit, and we strive to infuse taiko’s cultural legacy with new vitality. Part of our creative process includes collaborating with other taiko groups across the country and around the world. And we have extended our collaborations to musicians and performance artists beyond taiko. We have found that collaborations always result in something fresh and unique and that inspires intensity, drive and creativity to carry on taiko’s growth in North America.
Our music draws equally from traditional kumi-daiko musical styles and from a broad variety of contemporary music – a uniquely Chicago sound with global roots. We hope to honor our history, celebrate our present, and spark enthusiasm for the future of this exhilarating, heart-pounding form of artistic expression.
In 2015, Ho Etsu became a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. We hope to use our non-profit status to help extend our reach through performances, workshops and other cultural endeavors – spreading joy through each and every drumbeat.
Becoming a Member of Ho Etsu
Individuals start their journey to Ho Etsu through different paths; after seeing one of our performances, referrals by members or friends of Ho Etsu, or through our entry level workshops. We’re always interested in talking to individuals who share our passion for taiko.
Taiko focuses on drumming and rhythms of course, but as an art-form it is so much more. There is a visual aspect of taiko that requires physical and mental discipline. Beyond drums there are a variety of percussion and melodic instruments to master. There is a teaching aspect – we hold almost as many workshops as performances and often we combine the two. There is a creativity aspect as we compose most of our own pieces and we enthusiastically collaborate with other artists (taiko groups and artists outside the realm of taiko.) Finally, there is the ensemble. The taiko performance is only as strong as the ensemble itself. Teamwork above all else is our key to success.
With our schedule of workshops, rehearsals and performances we don’t have a set schedule for potential new member enrollment. Rather, we work it in to our schedule as opportunities arise. The section below provides a little more detail about becoming a member of Ho Etsu and some of the commitments that all members make to the group. If you’d like more information we’d be happy to get in touch with you. Just go to our Contact page and send us a note.
The steps to becoming a member include:
- Taiko 101 workshop – these workshops are open to the public and provide a good basis for taiko.
- Advanced Taiko workshop – these sessions are also open to the public and can provide potential new members with the training to advance their skills.
- Classes – these range from 4-6 weeks in length and typically focus on a specific style of taiko or a particular composition. We end the class with a recital to showcase the progress of the participants.
- Practice “sit-in” – potential members are invited by Ho Etsu leadership to sit through a number of our practice and rehearsal sessions to better understand the “behind-the-scenes” efforts that go into full-time membership.
- Apprenticeship – at the discretion of the group, potential members may enter a 1 year apprenticeship period. During this time potential members will practice with the ensemble, learn on the side, and take part in show preparations. The 1 year apprenticeship is a mandatory pre-requisite to full membership.
We’ve identified a series of “commitments” that we believe are critical elements to successful membership. We agree to these with each member as they become part of the ensemble. Below are a few examples of the commitments that we expect from all Ho Etsu members.
- Commitment to develop oneself as a taiko player and musician
- Commitment to rehearsals
- Commitment to be respectful to the art of taiko, Ho Etsu and ensemble members
- Commitment to publicly represent taiko and Ho Etsu in a professional and respectful manner
- Commitment to community volunteerism
- Commitment to improving the ensemble
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Ho Etsu remains committed to spreading joy through taiko. This joy doesn’t discriminate. This joy is meant for all people, of every race, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality and ability status.
As an ensemble, we draw strength from the diversity of our members, and support from the enthusiasm of our audiences, each different than the last.
Now, more than ever, we see our art as an expression of the world we want to live in: a world enriched by diversity and inclusive of all people. Our music is meant for each of you, no matter where you come from, no matter who you are. After all, our hearts all beat the same.
