If you are having difficulty viewing this message, you can view the graphics version online at http://www.etaiko.org/news.htm.   Newsletter - February 2010   Next free lecture and hands-on demonstration: February 26 Taiko: What is it? Come find out at our free lecture and participatory demonstration on Friday, February 26 at 7pm. Please RSVP by email to info@etaiko.org. If you've ever wanted to know what it feels like to play the big drums, this is your chance!   Kids' classes through March 27 We are delighted to announce a series of classes for kids 8 to 12 years old! Echo Costanzo (pictured) will be the instructor. Guest assistant will be Noah Aguilar.   Classes will be held every Saturday from 10am to 10:50am. Students will learn basic rhythms, forms, principles and a song to perform.   New students will be accepted on March 6. New students must attend a registration and orientation session at 9:45 am before their first class. Each class is $10 plus a one-time $5 registration fee (cash or check only, no debit or credit cards). Multi-class discount cards (5/$45 and 10/$80) are available. Please email (info@etaiko.org) to reserve a space.   New classes starting March 4 and 6 Classes for beginners are held every Thursday from 7pm to 9pm and Saturday from 2pm to 4pm. We accept new students on the first Thursday and Saturday of each month. Please check the schedule below and go to the Classes page on our web site for complete and updated information.   New students are required to attend an orientation a half an hour before the first class. The class is $15 plus a one-time $5 registration fee (cash or check only, includes Member Handbook). Please email to let us know you're coming before attending your first class, and have a look at the new Frequently Asked Questions page on our web site.   Upcoming performances Saturday, April 17 Morgan Hill NorCal Taiko Expo at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center. We will perform from 3:30pm to 4:00pm.   Sunday, April 25 Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival at Memorial Park on Stevens Creek Boulevard across from De Anza College. As in past years we will be the closing act on Sunday, performing at 3:45pm.   Emeryville Taiko Kids Class It's fitting that Emeryville Taiko is once again offering a kids' class, since the group got its start in 1998 as a practice group for children, led by Yuri Morita and Susan Horn under the guidance of Grand Master Seiichi Tanaka of San Francisco Taiko Dojo. In September, the kids' group began again, this time taught by Echo Costanzo, a former Emeryville Taiko student.   "Right now they're learning the song 'Hiryu San Dan Gaeshi,' explains Echo. "It means 'flying dragon flipping three times,' so I tell them they have to be energetic to play it."   These kids have plenty of energy and enthusiasm for the art. "I really like it a lot," says student Jaren Ipaktchi. "I think it's fun and interesting. We exercise and do drum rolls and I like how it feels. It feels loud! I can feel the effects under my feet."   Echo encourages the students to enjoy the energy and volume of Japanese drumming. "I just want them to have fun. This is a time kids can be loud and express their feelings. They can put all their anger and frustration into the drum. But they're also very focused. They've been really enjoying it."   And so is Echo. "I like providing something kids enjoy doing," she says. "They are quick learners and I see them improving each week. I look forward to it."   Parents are welcome to stay and watch the class, and a lot of parents do. According to Echo, the parents also appreciate the fact that the class teaches kids more than just the music. "They learn Japanese culture and etiquette, and learn to respect the equipment."   New students age 8-12 are welcome to join the class starting on March 6. Please email (info@etaiko.org) to reserve a space.   Welcome new students We would like to welcome our new students to the Beginning 1 and Kids classes:   January: Rob, Harmony, Jessica, Isa, Laura, Eric, Lisa, Sarah, Chris, Sara and Jan.   Kids class: Jaren, Rylie and Miguel.   February: Rodney, Rie, Kathie, April, Yuki and Lena.   Thank you for bringing your energy and inspiration to the group!   Taiko Social Second Thursday of every month after class 9:30pm to 10:30pm - Anyone that can make it should plan to join us offsite for a little 'getting to know each other' time. Thurs Feb 11th will be at Mark 49 Wine Bar at Telegraph and 49th Street in Berkeley. Later date locations TBA and will be posted on the calendar at the Dojo. Location suggestions welcomed!   Third Saturday of every month after class 4pm to 5pm - Anyone that can stay after class at the Dojo should plan to stay for tea and visiting. Feb 20th, I'll bring tea... does anyone have an electric hot water maker? Feel free to bring snacks or beverages to share, stories to tell or whatever.   Although these times are scheduled immediately after the Beginning 1 class, this is open to all members of Emeryville Taiko and friends! Everyone is welcome!   Class schedule Beginning 1 classes: Thursdays 7pm to 9pm, Saturdays 2pm to 4pm New students accepted March 4 at 6:30pm and March 6 at 1:30pm   Beginning 2 classes: Tuesdays 7pm to 9pm, Saturdays 11am to 1pm Intermediate classes: Mondays 7pm to 9pm, Wednesdays 7pm to 9pm   Classes are held at: Emery Secondary School Shop B 1100 47th Street at San Pablo Avenue Emeryville, CA 94608   Our classes are in the Shop B space on the northwest corner of the San Pablo/47th Street intersection. There is plenty of parking along 47th Street west of San Pablo. Enter through the big roll-up steel door on 47th. Click here for a map and directions.   Support us Emeryville Taiko is a San Francisco Bay Area taiko group providing traditional Japanese drumming classes and performances. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible and your financial support is appreciated. You can donate online at our website.