Monmouth Taiko

Monmouth Taiko is based in Monmouth, Oregon. It was started in 1995 by Koichi Ando and Todd Wilson to provide an opportunity for members to practice and perform the age old Japanese tradition of Taiko drumming. That first year they constructed two Taiko. As more Taiko were made, the membership could expand. There are now eight performing members. The group includes students and graduates who came to the US from Japan to further their education and expand their cultural experience. Our Taiko songs and choreography are a mix of traditional and modern, with some original material. Monmouth Taiko often travels around the state to perform at community events and school festivals.

History of Taiko

Taiko drumming has always been used for communication and celebration. Taiko music was transformed into a group performance ensemble in Japan during the 1950’s. Since that time ensemble style Taiko has become increasingly popular both in Japan and the US. There are currently fifteen Taiko groups in the Pacific Northwest