JASON SEYMORE
Your name please!
Jason Seymore
How long have you been playing Taiko?
I started playing taiko when I was 18, which would be 10 years ago. But, I had to take a total of two years from training. So I have technically been playing taiko for 8 years.
Tell us about you, what do you do normally, besides Taiko?
I am currently a senior at the University of Central Florida where I attend the College of Business. I will be receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management in the spring of 2016.
On my spare time, I like to do yoga and workout. I recently began running four times a week to build stamina.
I also work two part-time jobs with the hopes of one of them becoming a full-time career.
Other than that, I enjoy learning new Japanese phrases, practicing shamisenand fue while not in the dojo, and cooking healthy delicious meals at home.
What made you start taiko?
When I was 15, I was the member of SGI (Soka Gakkai International). That year, I attended a conference in Jacksonville where a youth division taiko team came from New Orleans, LA to perform for the members of the conference. I had been playing marching style drumming for years, so I was pumped to see this performance. I had no idea how awesome it would be. The sounds of taiko penetrated deep into my soul. I could feel my entire body shake! It was incredible how four people could make such HUGE sound! I also found out later on that they were victim of hurricane Katrina. Some of them caming knowing that they lost everything. However, they each had amazing spirit and determination to play taiko with all of their heart and sould. It was incredibly moving. From that moment on, I knew that I needed to play taiko. It became my main focus in life. Since then, my love for taiko drumming has continued to grow exponentially.
Do you have a favorite song? And why do you like it?
My favorite song would have to be Kamitsuki (Miyake). This song was one of the first pieces I ever got to see when being introduced to taiko. I immediately fell in love with the physicality of the song, as well as the pure beauty portrayed by such a low kata. Another reason why I like it so much is because, as a practitioner of taiko, you must push yourself to build strength and stamina. Your physical condition plays an important role in how much you are able to "give" to the drum. Kamitsuki is a great way to push yourself harder everyday while having a lot of fun at the same time.
What is your goal?
My goal at Orlando Taiko Dojo is to continue to expand and improve upon my skills in drumming and other aspects of the wadaiko ensemble. It is important that I do this with an open heart, and curious mind. I also want to make sure to strive diligently in upholding the traditions and history that makes taiko so incredibly unique. Another goal is to do my best to help others understand some of the more difficult concepts that taiko offers. In doing so, I help others feel more confident and excited to play taiko.
Who is your favorite teacher?
Here at Orlando Taiko Dojo, we have a number of instructors who have dedicated their time each and every week to the students. Without them, there would not be such an amazing atomosphere and connection that is felt throughout the dojo. Each one deserved their own recognition.They each deserve our most sincere gratitude and respect. I do not have one favorite teacher, for they are all my favorite.
Ishikura-sensei: For without you, I would have never had the opportunity to learn Sukeroku daiko. He has been a gracious teacher, father-figuer, and friend. I consider myself extremely lucky to be able to learn under the direction of such a prestigious individual.
Yuko sensei: Ishikura-sensei's wife. Not only can she play taiko with fierce and beauty, but her abilities reach far beyond the drum. She has an amazing spirit and warm presence.
Keiko and Mayuko Ishikura: Since the beginning of my drumming journey, the daughters of Takemasa and Yuko Ishikura have helped numerous students bridge the gap between those of us who could not understand Japanese and and the instructors who could speak English. Without their generosity, many students would surely feel lost. They have become amazing friends in and out of the dojo, and much like their mother and father, they possess amazing abilities beyond the drum that wow me even to this day.
Sayaka Kikuchi: I remember the first time I saw a video of Orlando Taiko Dojo/Matsuriza performing. There was this very small girl who simply blew me away. She was ferocious with her playing. Her speed, power, coordination, and determination all combined into the ultimate drumming package. My mom was even astonished by how her talent showed through. Sayaka has been playing most of her life, and with that kind of experience, she is able to communicate the intricate details of drumming so that the students can continue to understand and develop their skills.
Tomoko Yoshikawa: Tenecaity, gracefulness, and everlasting ray of youth. For years, I was always mesmerized by Tomoko-san's ability to play with such ease, yet, the sheer power that is produced was mind-numbing. Ever since I began playing taiko, she has always exuded such patience and willingness to try her best to help students understand the important principles of taiko.
I would like to also mention a few other special teachers who have had a significant impact on my life both in, and outside of the dojo.
Chieko Rambo
Nagatoshi Sagara
Ringtaro Tateishi
Thank you for your guidance and for sharing your experience and skills with so many!
What is taiko to you?
Taiko to me is an expression of the soul. It is the most primal form of communcation that connects our individual spirits together as one. Taiko is also a noble art, one in which the past is kept alive through honoring timeless traditions. Personally, it has become more than just music. It has become a way for me to connect with ancient history and the spirits of the individuals who played before me. Sometimes, I wonder what my life would be like had I not been able to begin playing taiko. I ask myself, "would I still be playing music?" or "what hobby would I replace taiko with had I never started playing?" Taiko has had a profound impact on my life. The drum represent a living, breathing spirit capable of healing energy and fun. The body of the drum was carved from a single log that could have been hundreds of years old. The tree itself having lived through so much, now carries a new mission to give expression life. The kawa that is tacked into place on either side has been harvested from the hide of a cow. Their docile nature and brut strength help to give ta aiko beautiful sound no matter how strong the player is. The handles and tacks are made from metal which is forged directly from the earth, and finally, the air that fills the drum giving them the medium needed to produce rich tones and subtle nuances that make taiko so unique. The drum to me is alive. With every strike, I breathe new life into the elements that make up the drums composition. I plant a flag in time, noting that I am in a moment that will be carried on through the taiko. Therefore, taiko to me is life.
Jason Seymore
How long have you been playing Taiko?
I started playing taiko when I was 18, which would be 10 years ago. But, I had to take a total of two years from training. So I have technically been playing taiko for 8 years.
Tell us about you, what do you do normally, besides Taiko?
I am currently a senior at the University of Central Florida where I attend the College of Business. I will be receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management in the spring of 2016.
On my spare time, I like to do yoga and workout. I recently began running four times a week to build stamina.
I also work two part-time jobs with the hopes of one of them becoming a full-time career.
Other than that, I enjoy learning new Japanese phrases, practicing shamisenand fue while not in the dojo, and cooking healthy delicious meals at home.
What made you start taiko?
When I was 15, I was the member of SGI (Soka Gakkai International). That year, I attended a conference in Jacksonville where a youth division taiko team came from New Orleans, LA to perform for the members of the conference. I had been playing marching style drumming for years, so I was pumped to see this performance. I had no idea how awesome it would be. The sounds of taiko penetrated deep into my soul. I could feel my entire body shake! It was incredible how four people could make such HUGE sound! I also found out later on that they were victim of hurricane Katrina. Some of them caming knowing that they lost everything. However, they each had amazing spirit and determination to play taiko with all of their heart and sould. It was incredibly moving. From that moment on, I knew that I needed to play taiko. It became my main focus in life. Since then, my love for taiko drumming has continued to grow exponentially.
Do you have a favorite song? And why do you like it?
My favorite song would have to be Kamitsuki (Miyake). This song was one of the first pieces I ever got to see when being introduced to taiko. I immediately fell in love with the physicality of the song, as well as the pure beauty portrayed by such a low kata. Another reason why I like it so much is because, as a practitioner of taiko, you must push yourself to build strength and stamina. Your physical condition plays an important role in how much you are able to "give" to the drum. Kamitsuki is a great way to push yourself harder everyday while having a lot of fun at the same time.
What is your goal?
My goal at Orlando Taiko Dojo is to continue to expand and improve upon my skills in drumming and other aspects of the wadaiko ensemble. It is important that I do this with an open heart, and curious mind. I also want to make sure to strive diligently in upholding the traditions and history that makes taiko so incredibly unique. Another goal is to do my best to help others understand some of the more difficult concepts that taiko offers. In doing so, I help others feel more confident and excited to play taiko.
Who is your favorite teacher?
Here at Orlando Taiko Dojo, we have a number of instructors who have dedicated their time each and every week to the students. Without them, there would not be such an amazing atomosphere and connection that is felt throughout the dojo. Each one deserved their own recognition.They each deserve our most sincere gratitude and respect. I do not have one favorite teacher, for they are all my favorite.
Ishikura-sensei: For without you, I would have never had the opportunity to learn Sukeroku daiko. He has been a gracious teacher, father-figuer, and friend. I consider myself extremely lucky to be able to learn under the direction of such a prestigious individual.
Yuko sensei: Ishikura-sensei's wife. Not only can she play taiko with fierce and beauty, but her abilities reach far beyond the drum. She has an amazing spirit and warm presence.
Keiko and Mayuko Ishikura: Since the beginning of my drumming journey, the daughters of Takemasa and Yuko Ishikura have helped numerous students bridge the gap between those of us who could not understand Japanese and and the instructors who could speak English. Without their generosity, many students would surely feel lost. They have become amazing friends in and out of the dojo, and much like their mother and father, they possess amazing abilities beyond the drum that wow me even to this day.
Sayaka Kikuchi: I remember the first time I saw a video of Orlando Taiko Dojo/Matsuriza performing. There was this very small girl who simply blew me away. She was ferocious with her playing. Her speed, power, coordination, and determination all combined into the ultimate drumming package. My mom was even astonished by how her talent showed through. Sayaka has been playing most of her life, and with that kind of experience, she is able to communicate the intricate details of drumming so that the students can continue to understand and develop their skills.
Tomoko Yoshikawa: Tenecaity, gracefulness, and everlasting ray of youth. For years, I was always mesmerized by Tomoko-san's ability to play with such ease, yet, the sheer power that is produced was mind-numbing. Ever since I began playing taiko, she has always exuded such patience and willingness to try her best to help students understand the important principles of taiko.
I would like to also mention a few other special teachers who have had a significant impact on my life both in, and outside of the dojo.
Chieko Rambo
Nagatoshi Sagara
Ringtaro Tateishi
Thank you for your guidance and for sharing your experience and skills with so many!
What is taiko to you?
Taiko to me is an expression of the soul. It is the most primal form of communcation that connects our individual spirits together as one. Taiko is also a noble art, one in which the past is kept alive through honoring timeless traditions. Personally, it has become more than just music. It has become a way for me to connect with ancient history and the spirits of the individuals who played before me. Sometimes, I wonder what my life would be like had I not been able to begin playing taiko. I ask myself, "would I still be playing music?" or "what hobby would I replace taiko with had I never started playing?" Taiko has had a profound impact on my life. The drum represent a living, breathing spirit capable of healing energy and fun. The body of the drum was carved from a single log that could have been hundreds of years old. The tree itself having lived through so much, now carries a new mission to give expression life. The kawa that is tacked into place on either side has been harvested from the hide of a cow. Their docile nature and brut strength help to give ta aiko beautiful sound no matter how strong the player is. The handles and tacks are made from metal which is forged directly from the earth, and finally, the air that fills the drum giving them the medium needed to produce rich tones and subtle nuances that make taiko so unique. The drum to me is alive. With every strike, I breathe new life into the elements that make up the drums composition. I plant a flag in time, noting that I am in a moment that will be carried on through the taiko. Therefore, taiko to me is life.
