Japanese drumming: The way of the storm.
Arashido Taiko's Erez van Ham, left, Robin McLeod, Nicole Shaw, Josef Addleman and Karen Clipsham perform Sept. 8 at Willowwood School.
Staff Photo/ERIC HEINO
It sounded like a storm was coming.Slowly at first, it began with a single low-bass boom and grew louder and louder. Developing over the last two years, the thunderclap sound of Arashido Taiko, traditional Japanese drummers, has arrived in North York.
Translating from Japanese to mean "Way of the Storm," Arashido Taiko was founded by North York resident Erez van Ham after he returned to Canada after spending several years in Japan.
"We are so passionate about it; it is like controlling a storm," said van Ham during one of their weekly practices at Willowwood School, near Leslie Street and York Mills Road.
Most of the handful of members joined the group after travelling to Japan and becoming fascinated with the culture. Taiko drumming is a traditional style used in Japanese festivals for centuries, but is a rarity in North America.
Each member starts with a drum in front of them, ranging from the small Shime drum that looks like a western-style snare, to the giant two-man Odaiko bass drum. Pounding the Odaiko for more than a few minutes is a vigorous workout, so members swap spots throughout their high-energy routines.
"I always say that Taiko is 50 per cent sound and 50 per cent visual," said van Ham, wiping sweat from his brow after a booming rendition of one of his favourite Taiko beats.
He played with a semi-professional group in Japan and though he respects the musical and cultural aspects, he claims his main interest in Taiko, "is pretty much the love of hitting things."
It was the musical appeal that attracted Josef Addleman to Arashido. Trained on western-style drums, he wanted something a little different.
"I've always loved the Japanese style of drumming, there's so much energy in it," he said.
Usually found pounding on the giant Odaiko drum, Addleman stretches out his legs, raises his arms above his head and squats low to the ground to form a proper stance in preparation for the group's next song. His body positioning would literally be quite a stretch for most people, but he is well practised.
"I tell people that if it doesn't hurt by the end of the song, you aren't doing it right," said Addleman.
A loud shout from Addleman signaled the beginning of the next song before the group jumped, shouted, spun and smashed their way through another eight-minute marathon of thunderous rhythms. Practising hard and dressed in their black and white performance costumes, they were preparing for an upcoming wedding they had been hired to perform at.
Though Arashido is a not-for-profit group, they rent themselves out to weddings, parties or any other event that will have them. All the money raised goes back into renting practice space and buying more equipment, most of which is special-ordered from Japan.
Though they are a well-rehearsed performance team, van Ham is interested in expanding his group, which is open for all to join. He offers beginner and advanced lessons on a weekly basis and encourages everyone to have some fun and try their hand at "The Way of the Storm."
For more information, visit www.arashido-taiko.com