KRISTALLE LIANG
Your name please!
Kristalle Liang
How long have you been playing Taiko?
I have been playing Taiko for about 4 years now.
Tell us about you, what do you do normally, besides Taiko?
I am currently a junior at Dr. Phillips High School. I’m studying hard to be able to attend a university either on the West coast or up North with plans to take on a major in Bioengineering. I have a strong passion for the sciences and want to help intermix the potential efficiency of 3D printing with the medical field.
When I am not being academic, I will usually be writing, watching a movie, playing video games, or sleeping. Music will almost always be overlaying the hobbies mentioned above. I want to learn how to play the piano and the guitar sometime within the near future, and I also plan to have at least one novel published before I graduate from college.
What made you start Taiko?
I have always been one of those people who sit on the fence and need that extra push towards pursuing grand, new things. Before I joined the dojo, my family always watched the group perform at the Buddha’s Birthday Festival at the Guang Ming Temple. I suppose my mom enjoyed it so much, she decided it would be great to sign herself up along with her two children.
I remember walking into the dojo one Sunday morning in the company of my mom. Everyone was so welcoming and Yuni (a former student) came up to us and helped answer my mom’s inquiries. Meanwhile I was awkwardly standing off to the side, watching with interest as a group of young kids practiced basic rhythms in the lobby on jellyfish and the pounding beat of the real taiko echoed on from within the dojo. Within a few minutes, my mom and I left the dojo but we would be back the following week with my little sister. Ever since then my sister and I have become avid members of the group.
You have a favorite song? And why do you like it?
My personal favorite has always been Kamitsuki. Despite the song’s need for hard endurance and the love-hate relationship that stems from it, the way one must play with their entire being and keep such a low stance has always made things interesting and fun. Often times those who play the song during practice are left out of breath and wanting a recluse from the tough workout the song presents. However I’ve always enjoyed the energetic beat and the way one can feel so powerful when the song is done just right.
Who is your favorite teacher?
There is no definite way to answer this question with any one single answer. Through my personal experience, each and every teacher I have met has brought something to the table that anyone can take away from, and I will always be thankful for the experience and guidance they have shown me as well as everyone else at the dojo.
Sayaka-sensei has shown many that power and beauty can be dually shown in many aspects through taiko. She has also shared her knowledge of the technicalities and history behind this passion and her fierce playing ability always inspires everyone to do their best.
Mayu-sensei and Keiko-sensei are like two sides of a coin. Mayu-sensei is the strong and silent type. When teaching, she brings the sense of sternness and seriousness that should be notified of when aiming to learn and master taiko. Meanwhile her sister often brings her light, bubbly personality into the dojo, reminding us at the same time that taiko is also meant to be fun. Together, these two have continually brought excellent skills to always share with their students as well as a bright sense of humor that can help pick up any tired soul.
Yuko-sensei and Chieko-sensei were the teachers where from I initially learned the ropes a few years ago. Their kind and compassionate hearts helped secure a welcoming atmosphere and their understanding natures always helped clear away any clinging uncertainties when playing. With Tomoko-sensei, I must admit I was at first intimidated by her stern façade, but soon learned that she too was an understanding and caring person. Her expertise and ease with taiko has helped many in further understanding the principles of this practice.
And finally, Take-sensei, who has always proven to be a strong presence within the dojo. His mastery of this art has at times led him to be quite strict when attempting to help the students fix their errors, but all in good nature. However usually he expresses his care-free spirit, jumping into play with the students randomly whenever he chooses or just silently watching from the side and gauging everyone’s gradual progress as a whole, as a team. In a sense, he is like his daughters in showing that taiko should be taken seriously, but that it can still be fun all the same.
What is your goal here?
My goal is to someday master taiko (or at least a few songs) so that I may one day spread this practice to others in my future as well as apply its four main principles into my daily life. In accordance with Tai (body, material, physical), I have definitely felt myself become more attuned with my body through playing taiko and the exercise required to keep in shape for the instrument has helped me stay relatively fit. I have also gained a new level of focus and concentration when going through the daily motions.
In terms of Rei (courtesy, politeness), I have become much more outgoing and open to trying new things. Saying a simple greeting to everyone you meet and know can go a long way than just stand-offishly trying to get things done. Spreading positivity has always been one of my core principles and I can honestly say that taiko has helped me develop and strengthen this message over time.
What is Taiko to you?
Taiko has become an important part of my lifestyle, physically and mentally. It has helped me keep in shape and attuned with my body while also providing its many principles of the mind and soul to incorporate into daily life. I love the attachment to traditional culture as well as the need for unity and decorum when playing.
Taiko has also brought with it great growing experiences and I have met many great people I know I will remember fondly as friends and team members. Plus, taiko has been a great de-stressor for me from the chaos of competitive academics.
Kristalle Liang
How long have you been playing Taiko?
I have been playing Taiko for about 4 years now.
Tell us about you, what do you do normally, besides Taiko?
I am currently a junior at Dr. Phillips High School. I’m studying hard to be able to attend a university either on the West coast or up North with plans to take on a major in Bioengineering. I have a strong passion for the sciences and want to help intermix the potential efficiency of 3D printing with the medical field.
When I am not being academic, I will usually be writing, watching a movie, playing video games, or sleeping. Music will almost always be overlaying the hobbies mentioned above. I want to learn how to play the piano and the guitar sometime within the near future, and I also plan to have at least one novel published before I graduate from college.
What made you start Taiko?
I have always been one of those people who sit on the fence and need that extra push towards pursuing grand, new things. Before I joined the dojo, my family always watched the group perform at the Buddha’s Birthday Festival at the Guang Ming Temple. I suppose my mom enjoyed it so much, she decided it would be great to sign herself up along with her two children.
I remember walking into the dojo one Sunday morning in the company of my mom. Everyone was so welcoming and Yuni (a former student) came up to us and helped answer my mom’s inquiries. Meanwhile I was awkwardly standing off to the side, watching with interest as a group of young kids practiced basic rhythms in the lobby on jellyfish and the pounding beat of the real taiko echoed on from within the dojo. Within a few minutes, my mom and I left the dojo but we would be back the following week with my little sister. Ever since then my sister and I have become avid members of the group.
You have a favorite song? And why do you like it?
My personal favorite has always been Kamitsuki. Despite the song’s need for hard endurance and the love-hate relationship that stems from it, the way one must play with their entire being and keep such a low stance has always made things interesting and fun. Often times those who play the song during practice are left out of breath and wanting a recluse from the tough workout the song presents. However I’ve always enjoyed the energetic beat and the way one can feel so powerful when the song is done just right.
Who is your favorite teacher?
There is no definite way to answer this question with any one single answer. Through my personal experience, each and every teacher I have met has brought something to the table that anyone can take away from, and I will always be thankful for the experience and guidance they have shown me as well as everyone else at the dojo.
Sayaka-sensei has shown many that power and beauty can be dually shown in many aspects through taiko. She has also shared her knowledge of the technicalities and history behind this passion and her fierce playing ability always inspires everyone to do their best.
Mayu-sensei and Keiko-sensei are like two sides of a coin. Mayu-sensei is the strong and silent type. When teaching, she brings the sense of sternness and seriousness that should be notified of when aiming to learn and master taiko. Meanwhile her sister often brings her light, bubbly personality into the dojo, reminding us at the same time that taiko is also meant to be fun. Together, these two have continually brought excellent skills to always share with their students as well as a bright sense of humor that can help pick up any tired soul.
Yuko-sensei and Chieko-sensei were the teachers where from I initially learned the ropes a few years ago. Their kind and compassionate hearts helped secure a welcoming atmosphere and their understanding natures always helped clear away any clinging uncertainties when playing. With Tomoko-sensei, I must admit I was at first intimidated by her stern façade, but soon learned that she too was an understanding and caring person. Her expertise and ease with taiko has helped many in further understanding the principles of this practice.
And finally, Take-sensei, who has always proven to be a strong presence within the dojo. His mastery of this art has at times led him to be quite strict when attempting to help the students fix their errors, but all in good nature. However usually he expresses his care-free spirit, jumping into play with the students randomly whenever he chooses or just silently watching from the side and gauging everyone’s gradual progress as a whole, as a team. In a sense, he is like his daughters in showing that taiko should be taken seriously, but that it can still be fun all the same.
What is your goal here?
My goal is to someday master taiko (or at least a few songs) so that I may one day spread this practice to others in my future as well as apply its four main principles into my daily life. In accordance with Tai (body, material, physical), I have definitely felt myself become more attuned with my body through playing taiko and the exercise required to keep in shape for the instrument has helped me stay relatively fit. I have also gained a new level of focus and concentration when going through the daily motions.
In terms of Rei (courtesy, politeness), I have become much more outgoing and open to trying new things. Saying a simple greeting to everyone you meet and know can go a long way than just stand-offishly trying to get things done. Spreading positivity has always been one of my core principles and I can honestly say that taiko has helped me develop and strengthen this message over time.
What is Taiko to you?
Taiko has become an important part of my lifestyle, physically and mentally. It has helped me keep in shape and attuned with my body while also providing its many principles of the mind and soul to incorporate into daily life. I love the attachment to traditional culture as well as the need for unity and decorum when playing.
Taiko has also brought with it great growing experiences and I have met many great people I know I will remember fondly as friends and team members. Plus, taiko has been a great de-stressor for me from the chaos of competitive academics.
