Taiko Japanese Drumming Ensemble and Korean Drumming and Creative Music Ensemble Spring Concert
Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 4:00pm
Belzberg World Music Hall
RESERVE NOWFree and open to the public.
A concert by Wesleyan’s Taiko Japanese Drumming Ensemble, directed by Visiting Instructor in Music Fumi Tanakadate, will be followed by a performance from the Korean Drumming and Creative Music Ensemble, directed by Assistant Professor of the Practice in Music Jin Hi Kim.Wesleyan’s Taiko Japanese Drumming Ensemble introduces students to the fundamentals of this Japanese style of drumming, with an emphasis on kumidaiko (ensemble drumming), as well as the philosophies and the cultural context (focusing on diasporic contexts). Students learn basic form and technique and have the opportunity to perform thunderous and thrilling rhythms that engage several dynamic and exciting styles from traditional and contemporary Taiko repertoire.
Beginning and advanced students of the Korean Drumming and Creative Music Ensemble play new arrangements of samulnori (percussion quartet) repertoire, performed on two-headed drums (janggu), barrel drums (buk), hand gong (kwenggari), and suspended gong (jing). The ensemble plays a variety of mesmerizing janggu rhythmic patterns, and also creates new pieces, discovering the sounds that are possible through imaginative explorations on their instruments. Advanced students perform in unison on janggu and improvise vigorous drumming on the standing barrel drum, and present creative works on various instruments.
Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. We encourage you to RSVP to help us with our planning and to get a reminder the day before this event. While RSVPs are not required for entry, they are a big help! While you're on campus, feel free to talk with our gallery assistants about the exhibitions and other upcoming special programs, like our student-led tours.