Support to Grass Valley Taiko

Greetings!

Grass Valley Taiko came into concept ion in 1999 when I first considered moving to Nevada County from San Francisco.  My biggest block was the lack of Taiko here.  Someone said, “then you be the one to bring it here!”  It seemed preposterous at first mention. 

As with any project or great milestone, I just started with one thing, then another.  Now we are over 50 members strong with classes for kids and adults.  We have a variety of drums and instruments (many owned by individual members, some by the dojo – or organization).  We have a developing repertoire of songs and pieces to perform. 

We have returned to my original teacher and master, Grandmaster Seiichi Tanaka and received the full recognition and the distinguished honor to play Hiryu Sandan Geishi/Isama Goma (Leaping dragon/ Galloping horse).  This is an honor of which, he informed us, is extended to only three groups in the world right now!  We are working diligently on our First Annual Taiko Festival this August 19^th.   It will be a full stage production at the Center for the Arts in Grass Valley.  We are so honored and humbled by our great fortune.

Now I have been informed that I have been accepted to participate in a two week intensive training with the world premiere group KODO in Sada, Japan along with one other member, Claudia Jones.  KODO  resides on the island of Sado, northeast of the main island of Japan.  This island was becoming a ghost village as the young grew up and left for the big cities on the main island.  KODO was committed to living a communal life with Taiko as the heart and soul of their existence so they set up on this island and breathed life into a dying art as well as a dying village.  They train 6-7 days a week.  Run the equivalent of a marathon on a regular basis.  Their production, performances and precision is the benchmark of every aspiring taiko player.  This training opportunity is by application and acceptance and limited to 20 people for this September.  Yes, we two will be part of that!

As you can imagine the expense of establishing a new art form and discipline in an area is quite notable.    The generosity and creativity of the members of the group have already generated some of the funds that are needed.   We greatly appreciate any contribution that friends, family, and community members or those who know what it takes to breathe life and a heartbeat into a dream care to make.  It all helps bring a cultural art form to a community that is very homogeneous in its makeup, but not in its heart. If there is a community that embraces the work that we are doing, it is Nevada County. 

Contributing is easy!  

Just click below and contribute safely and securely online. You do not need to have a Paypal account to make a secure credit card donation through Paypal.

Or you can send your contributions to: 

Grass Valley Taiko

Mitzi Garnett

13078 Rough and Ready Highway

Rough and Ready, CA 95975

I personally thank you for your consideration

and look forward to "seeing you on stage.”

-Mitzi Garnett

Founder and Artistic Director

Beyond monetary funds to meet a budget, there are ongoing items that we are in need for construction of instruments, if you have access to an inexpensive source or wish to contribute:

GRASS VALLEY TAIKO WISH LIST: 

Short-term consumables:

Angle grinders

Belt sanders

Orbital sanders

Sanding pads

Biscuit joiner

Biscuits to match (100’s!)

Carpenter wood glue (by the gallons!)

Drill

Nice lumber for stand construction

Good clean barrels

Taiko quality cow hide

Taiko grade tacks

Long-term:

Trailer for hauling

Dedicated dojo (facilities)

Ongoing sponsors