Taiko continues

Cool picture courtesy of http://starbulletin.com/2006/01/01/features/art1a.jpg

Last week I said I was not expecting any breakthroughs, light bulbs going on over my head, visions of Kannon-sama the Merciful or other miracles. However, tonight actually felt pretty good.

Jason got unnerved after a couple of minutes on the loudest of the barrel taiko, so I switched with him. I didn't mind. I could actually hear when I wasn't getting enough power out of my left hand even with the whole group playing.

The screwy last line of "Matsuri Daiko" that I could NOT get last week to save my life - I played it more or less correctly every time. It had felt so counterintuitive before, tonight it was just there. Granted, my form isn't pretty - yet. But it's better. Being a by-ear musician really helps.

In fact, we appear to be a week ahead of schedule based on what's on the syllabus. Sean and Shannon started us on the chorus of "Jishin,' their dojo's signature piece.

And now, for your viewing pleasure, weird little critters in fundoshi.....