Silicon Valley Down Syndrome Network (SVDSN) Taiko Sessions

Instructors Sydney, Sensei Gabe, and Mallory

Let’s play taiko together!

These taiko sessions were designed to highlight the interests, motivations, and strengths of the participants with Down Syndrome (self-advocates). Unlike other taiko classes that often focus on fitness, musicality, and uniformity, the goal of this experience is being present and IN the moment, celebrating and accepting everyone as they are (INclusivity), being INspired and learning equally from everyone, and INterconnection with the drum and those around us. When these four INtensions happen and we're jammin' together, we call this feeling TaikoIN'.

These clips were taken throughout a 5-week taiko session led by Sydney and Mallory Shiroyama and Sensei Gabe. The class was facilitated for the Silicon Valley Down Syndrome Network (SVDSN) in February and March 2022 which was followed by SVDSN taiko's first public performance at the World Down Syndrome Day celebration on March 19, 2022.

More information

  • In these classes, self-advocates learn ensemble Japanese drumming. While taiko, the drum, has long existed in Japanese traditions, the ensemble style of taiko, a.k.a. kumidaiko, we play in North America only developed in Japan in the 1950s! This relatively new style of taiko evokes excitement and a celebratory atmosphere and is found in many festivals in Japan. In America taiko was nurtured by the Japanese American communities during the Asian American civil rights movement in the 1960s and 1970s, and had particularly strong roots in Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Churches (Buddhist Churches of America). As a result, taiko gained visibility and popularity as a vibrant performing art, inspiring groups to form across the U.S. in diverse communities, schools, and colleges, and even in Europe and South America. Taiko is an art form that lends itself to inclusivity and unity-- it gives everyone a voice and the opportunity to be heard. SVDSN is excited to be partnering with TaikoPeace, the Mountain View Buddhist Temple, and Sydney Shiroyama to bring taiko to our families.

  • The classes are designed and led by Sydney Shiroyama OTR/L, Mallory Shiroyama, and Sensei Gabe (self-advocate). Volunteers from the taiko community often come to assist the classes.

  • Each session is approximately 1 hour and the contents vary depending on the motivations of the group. A typical class will consist of the following:

    • Opening and closing greeting in Japanese led by Sensei Gabe

    • Warm-up/cool-down

    • Various drumming exercises to work on taiko skills, rhythm, and compositions

    • “Jam sessions” to allow for creative exploration and development of performance skills

    To see a peak of a session, please see this video: SVDSN Taiko Session Clips

  • Each session is held periodically throughout the year, depending on the academic year. To be notified about future sessions, please email marcymamiya@yahoo.com.

    The sessions are held at Mountain View Buddhist Temple.

  • $20/class for SVDSN members*; $30/class for non-SVDSN members

    *Note: scholarships are available to SVDSN families; signing up to join SVDSN is free! Please email svdsnprograms@gmail.com with your request.

Come Join us!

Email marcymamiya@yahoo.com or fill out this form for more information.