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The crowd grew quickly. I was standing under two giant parasols on an outdoor community stage in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles watching the crowd quickly grow. I had arrived at the stage early to give myself time to settle. I was nervous. Fort Wayne Taiko had been asked to play at the World Taiko Gathering. It all felt a little intimidating to me.

The World Taiko Gathering took place in Los Angeles, CA July 17-20, 2014. The event featured master taiko drummers from all over the world who came together to perform, teach and talk. Five Fort Wayne Taiko drummers trekked out to LA for the event. We collectively took over a dozen workshops expanding our repertoire with new songs and gaining skills to improve our technique and form. We participated in group discussions about issues pertinent to the growing taiko community and saw amazing performances that demonstrated skills and artistry to which we aspire.

And at the noon jam on Saturday, July 19 we performed two songs that we learned last year while in Japan. I was definitely nervous about performing. I’d like to say that I overcame my fear and played really well. But the truth is, I played the first song well enough and was halfway through our second song when I lost my focus. We were no longer in unison. Instead, I was off on an improvised counter rhythm, smiling all the while, trying hard to make it look and sound like that was exactly what I was supposed to be doing. Fortunately, I found a clean re-entry point and we were able to end together with a strong finish.

We received positive feedback from the crowd. I think people genuinely enjoyed our performance. I think they particularly appreciated our spirit and the authentic passion that drives us forward–even though we don’t have a sensei. Did anyone know I lost my place and improvised my way through? Some probably did and some didn’t. I regret that it wasn’t my best performance, but after it’s all said and done I’m not sure it really matters. I think what really matters is that Fort Wayne Taiko was asked to play at the World Taiko Gathering and five of us stood up on that stage and made it happen. Yahoo!