On March 24, second Grade attended a performance by Kodo at Duke University as a culmination of their science unit on Sound. They discussed how they could feel the vibrations of the sounds of the taiko drums as well as hear the difference between the high pitched drums and the low pitched drums.
A celebrated ensemble with a 40-year history of performances, Kodo returns to North America with this thrilling performance that revisits the ensemble’s early repertoire – blending simple forms of taiko’s unique sound, resonance, and physicality. Warabe highlights the company’s enduring spirit as “children of the drum.”
This high energy performance is easy to follow and entertaining for all ages. The program contains a range of pieces that represent folk music and dance traditions of Japan. Performers demonstrate great physicality and while drums are the focus, other traditional Japanese musical elements play integral roles. Instruments such as fue (bamboo flute), shamisen (Japanese banjo), koto (harp), and narimono (metal percussion instruments) are featured alongside Western instruments as well as dance and vocals.