ALI PAREDES
Your name please! How long have you been playing Taiko?
My name is Ali Paredes and I have been playing Taiko a little over two years.
Tell us about you, what do you do normally, besides Taiko?
I am an Ashtanga Yoga Teacher, teaching yoga classes around Central Florida. I previously worked at Rollins College doing fundraising, but decided to change careers and become a full time yoga teacher. Now I am changing careers again and moving to Japan to teach English to Japanese high school students.
What made you start taiko?
I first was exposed to Taiko when I was in middle school. I was a frequent visitor to Epcot and Rangetsu restaurant on I-Drive, and loved watching the Taiko performances. I didn't know if there were lessons available to take, and though I would have to go to Japan to actually take lessons. In high school, I knew a girl who visited Japan and took Taiko lessons while she was there. I was determined that would be my fate too. However, it wouldn't be until I was already 28 years old, that I would be brave enough to look for Taiko lessons, finding Orlando Taiko Dojo after a Chinese New Year Parade.
Do you have a favorite song? Why do you like it?
My favorite song to play is Mutsumi, especially the hayagake part. Every time I play it I feel like I'm transported to a festival somewhere in Japan. And the hayagake part always is fun to play as well as beautiful to watch.
My name is Ali Paredes and I have been playing Taiko a little over two years.
Tell us about you, what do you do normally, besides Taiko?
I am an Ashtanga Yoga Teacher, teaching yoga classes around Central Florida. I previously worked at Rollins College doing fundraising, but decided to change careers and become a full time yoga teacher. Now I am changing careers again and moving to Japan to teach English to Japanese high school students.
What made you start taiko?
I first was exposed to Taiko when I was in middle school. I was a frequent visitor to Epcot and Rangetsu restaurant on I-Drive, and loved watching the Taiko performances. I didn't know if there were lessons available to take, and though I would have to go to Japan to actually take lessons. In high school, I knew a girl who visited Japan and took Taiko lessons while she was there. I was determined that would be my fate too. However, it wouldn't be until I was already 28 years old, that I would be brave enough to look for Taiko lessons, finding Orlando Taiko Dojo after a Chinese New Year Parade.
Do you have a favorite song? Why do you like it?
My favorite song to play is Mutsumi, especially the hayagake part. Every time I play it I feel like I'm transported to a festival somewhere in Japan. And the hayagake part always is fun to play as well as beautiful to watch.
Who is your favorite teacher?
Answering who my favorite teacher is most difficult. I started with Mayuko-san, and she was so patient and good with me as a beginner. She plays so naturally as if the drum was an extension of herself, which I would like to try to imitate one day. Yuko-Sensei has taught me grace and to always try. She is fearless and unassuming in her drumming, her playing kind of sneaks up on you like a wonderful surprise. Then I had Tomoko-Sensei, who always showed me she had faith in me. She always made sure I felt that she thought I could do it, which is probably why I've played songs I never thought I would be able to. She also has a great sense of humor and lets her personality shine in her playing. Keiko-san and Sayaka-san helped me realize that women can be strong players too. We don't have to let the guys be the most powerful. They used their bodies to make the best movements and the biggest sounds, and that makes all the difference. But if I have to say I have a favorite, it would be Take-Sensei. He expects the most from you, and won't settle for anything less. Sometimes you need a stern talking to, and sometimes you need a funny joke. He does just that. His energy shines throughout the dojo, and makes us all better Taiko players. I would not be who I am today without him or the dojo.
What is your goal here?
My original goal for starting Taiko was to gain more hand-eye coordination. I must say that I have achieved that goal. Now I would like to learn more songs, and throw my bachi without fear. I would also like to become quicker with my left hand, and improve my playing overall.
What are some changes you've experienced playing Taiko?
Taiko has made me a stronger and calmer person. I try to find that same rhythm and harmony in my every day life, outside of the dojo. I also find myself listening more closely to beats and counting more, which I find amusing.
What was the most favorite thing you got to do playing Taiko?
As much as I love playing Mutsumi, my most favorite thing to do playing Taiko is playing the Odaiko. It is the perfect balance of strength and flexibility and the sound that comes out of the Odaiko can penetrate anything. I love how it feels like my body could shatter from the vibrations.
What is taiko to you?
Taiko for me is a moving meditation. Coming from a yoga background, I try to find links through body, spirit, and mind. From the first time I hit a drum with my bachi, I felt that connection. I am able to disconnect all my crazy thoughts that go through my mind and just concentrate on the movements and rhythms. I can feel the rhythm vibrate through my body and into my heart, instantly making any bad day good and any negativity disappear. It has also given me a greater sense of community. Taiko is about the group, and how we connect with each other. Each performance is about how the group looks and sounds as a whole. Each person plays an important role, not one being more important than the other. It is a practice in harmony, which I can always use more of.
Answering who my favorite teacher is most difficult. I started with Mayuko-san, and she was so patient and good with me as a beginner. She plays so naturally as if the drum was an extension of herself, which I would like to try to imitate one day. Yuko-Sensei has taught me grace and to always try. She is fearless and unassuming in her drumming, her playing kind of sneaks up on you like a wonderful surprise. Then I had Tomoko-Sensei, who always showed me she had faith in me. She always made sure I felt that she thought I could do it, which is probably why I've played songs I never thought I would be able to. She also has a great sense of humor and lets her personality shine in her playing. Keiko-san and Sayaka-san helped me realize that women can be strong players too. We don't have to let the guys be the most powerful. They used their bodies to make the best movements and the biggest sounds, and that makes all the difference. But if I have to say I have a favorite, it would be Take-Sensei. He expects the most from you, and won't settle for anything less. Sometimes you need a stern talking to, and sometimes you need a funny joke. He does just that. His energy shines throughout the dojo, and makes us all better Taiko players. I would not be who I am today without him or the dojo.
What is your goal here?
My original goal for starting Taiko was to gain more hand-eye coordination. I must say that I have achieved that goal. Now I would like to learn more songs, and throw my bachi without fear. I would also like to become quicker with my left hand, and improve my playing overall.
What are some changes you've experienced playing Taiko?
Taiko has made me a stronger and calmer person. I try to find that same rhythm and harmony in my every day life, outside of the dojo. I also find myself listening more closely to beats and counting more, which I find amusing.
What was the most favorite thing you got to do playing Taiko?
As much as I love playing Mutsumi, my most favorite thing to do playing Taiko is playing the Odaiko. It is the perfect balance of strength and flexibility and the sound that comes out of the Odaiko can penetrate anything. I love how it feels like my body could shatter from the vibrations.
What is taiko to you?
Taiko for me is a moving meditation. Coming from a yoga background, I try to find links through body, spirit, and mind. From the first time I hit a drum with my bachi, I felt that connection. I am able to disconnect all my crazy thoughts that go through my mind and just concentrate on the movements and rhythms. I can feel the rhythm vibrate through my body and into my heart, instantly making any bad day good and any negativity disappear. It has also given me a greater sense of community. Taiko is about the group, and how we connect with each other. Each performance is about how the group looks and sounds as a whole. Each person plays an important role, not one being more important than the other. It is a practice in harmony, which I can always use more of.