Kaminari Taiko is a Houston non-profit dedicated to performing and teaching taiko, a form of Japanese ensemble drumming. We've been playing taiko in Houston since 1996, and each year our professional ensemble puts on 12-15 performances in cities across the Gulf South.

Taiko is a spirited style of drumming that involves movement, technique, voice, and team spirit. Part of our mission is to share the joy of taiko with as many people as possible in our community. Through local performances, demonstrations, and classes, we've found that people of all backgrounds and ages can relate to the rhythms and spirit of taiko.

For the last ten years Kaminari members have taught a successful after-school taiko class to 4th and 5th grade students at Kolter Elementary in HISD. We've enjoyed being able to help students, parents, and the Kolter community learn more about Japanese culture and express themselves through music.

Click here to watch a video of a taiko performance by Kolter students.

Now we aim to expand this program to other schools in the Houston area, starting with a Taiko in Schools pilot project in the 2015-16 school year. The twist is that instead of having Kaminari Taiko performers teach the classes, we plan to train music educators and provide them with curriculum support and equipment so that they can teach taiko to students in their own schools.

We are currently seeking input from local music educators on the design of the Taiko in Schools program. If you are interested in sharing your expertise with us, please fill out the form to the right, and we will contact you.

If you'd like to keep up with the latest developments in the Taiko in Schools program, please sign up for our mailing list by filling out the form at the right.

Taiko in Schools Contact Form

Educators, we need your help to make Taiko in Schools a success! If you're interested in helping us design the program, or if you'd like to keep up with our progress on the pilot project, please contact us by filling out this form. Thank you!