About Us
The Claremont Colleges Shogo Taiko is a collegiate taiko group from the Claremont Colleges in Claremont, CA. We perform the Japanese art form of ensemble taiko which features rhythm, movement, and a unique blend of tradition and innovation.
Our members are from all five of the Claremont Colleges: Claremont McKenna, Pomona, Scripps, Harvey Mudd, and Pitzer. Our name "shogo 小五" means "little five" in Japanese, to represent the five undergraduate Claremont Colleges.
“Taiko,” which means “big drum” in Japanese, originated around the 6th and 7th centuries in Japan. Taiko has since developed into its own unique Japanese American art form in North America. While we observe many of the traditions of taiko, we also focus on the creative and interpretive elements.
We want to make taiko a joy to watch, because it is a joy to perform.
Our members are from all five of the Claremont Colleges: Claremont McKenna, Pomona, Scripps, Harvey Mudd, and Pitzer. Our name "shogo 小五" means "little five" in Japanese, to represent the five undergraduate Claremont Colleges.
“Taiko,” which means “big drum” in Japanese, originated around the 6th and 7th centuries in Japan. Taiko has since developed into its own unique Japanese American art form in North America. While we observe many of the traditions of taiko, we also focus on the creative and interpretive elements.
We want to make taiko a joy to watch, because it is a joy to perform.
Group History
The Claremont Colleges Taiko group was founded in the fall of 2003 by Daniel Hayman, CMC ’07. For over six years, we played on handmade 5-gallon-bucket-drums, but have since made six taiko drums from scratch with the help of Senryu Taiko (UC Riverside).
Comprised entirely of college students, and with no formal teacher, Claremont Colleges Taiko strives to learn, progress, and develop as a group. Each spring, we bid our seniors farewell, and each fall, we are greeted with fresh faces—continuing a cycle of peer-driven learning and innovation.
In recent years, we have been annual performers at the International Festival, the Claremont Colleges' International Banquet, Pomona College's Japan Festival, and more. We also perform an annual Spring Concert every April. Come check us out!
Comprised entirely of college students, and with no formal teacher, Claremont Colleges Taiko strives to learn, progress, and develop as a group. Each spring, we bid our seniors farewell, and each fall, we are greeted with fresh faces—continuing a cycle of peer-driven learning and innovation.
In recent years, we have been annual performers at the International Festival, the Claremont Colleges' International Banquet, Pomona College's Japan Festival, and more. We also perform an annual Spring Concert every April. Come check us out!
Our gratitute goes out to
Dean David Hansen, the Weinberg Family, and the Dean of Science at Keck Science Department for generously gifting us with Bekki Lee's okedo-daiko and chū-daiko. You can learn more about Bekki Lee's legacy here and donate to the Bekki Lee Scholarship here!
UC Riverside's Senryu Taiko for helping us build our first six Taiko. You can check out Senryu Taiko here!
UC Riverside's Senryu Taiko for helping us build our first six Taiko. You can check out Senryu Taiko here!