Title VI Grant Activities

Kobushi Taiko Drum Troupe

As a kick off for our annual Asia Week celebration, using funds provided by the Title VI grant, we were able to bring the Kobushi Taiko Drum Troupe of Dallas to Austin College to perform.  On Saturday  April 1 from 4-5 pm the Kobushi drummers performed in Ida Green Theater to an audience of at least 100, including Austin College students, faculty and staff, as well as members of the local community. 

Taiko drums have been used for centuries in traditional Japanese music,

as well as for religious ceremonies and to signal villagers for special occasions.

Recently musicians around the world have been exploring a new type of music using large numbers of drums to create thundering, powerful  rhythms, with a playing style influenced by dance and martial arts. The Kobushi Taiko group is an eclectic mix of people that has included professional musicians, artists, writers, engineers, students, and a pilot. Their repertoire consists of traditional Japanese pieces as well as more modern original works.  Their exciting, high-energy performance was a wonderful start to Asia Week, as it helped to generate enthusiasm for the rest of the planned activities, and energy that carried through the week long celebration.