Drum Tao is visiting Butler University on its Drum Heart tour in March.  This group performs the art of traditional Japanese drumming, or taiko.  Taiko is a combination of drumming, martial arts, and dance, and is practiced in Japan and now widely around the world.  This “conversation” will offer the opportunity to learn the basics of taiko, some terminology, beginning drumming technique, and even a short piece that we will perform as a group at the end of the session.  Since this will be a hands-on conversation, please wear clothes and shoes that are easy to move in.  Activities will be modified to accommodate individual abilities.  You do not need to have any experience playing a musical instrument to participate.  This activity is recommended for children ages 8 and older, teens, and adults.  Because of the hands-on nature of this conversation, it is limited to 30 participants.  Please email James Cramer at jcramer@butler.edu or call 317-940-6414 to reserve your place.  Ethnomusicologist, percussionist, and music educator Sally Childs-Helton, Ph.D. will be the facilitator for this hands-on conversation.

After the Conversation stay for the Butler Percussion Ensemble Concert at 7 pm on the Schrott stage.