Hearing a Different Drumbeat

The heart-pounding beat of taiko drums could be heard throughout the halls of Moulton Elementary School on Friday as students were treated to a Japanese musical performance in honor of Asian Pacific Heritage month.

The group Japanese Festival Sounds introduced students to the dragon dance, a Japanese horn called the hora and the sasara, a snakelike wind instrument.

“They play the drums really cool,” said Chris Stoltenberg, 9.

The Los Angeles-based trio, which plays at schools and festivals across the country, has been busy in the past few weeks as many schools celebrated Asian Pacific Heritage Month. Member George Abe said the group tries to teach students about Japanese music, history and culture.

“We want them to walk away with a little bit better understanding that we’re Japanese-Americans,” Abe said of the students. “What we do is really a blending of traditions.”

During the performance, Abe told the students how the taiko drums were crafted out of wood, and then molded into a barrel shape and covered with cowhide. Centuries ago in Japan, the drums were used as an alarm and communications tool linking towns and people together.

The beat of taiko drums, he said, is unique because “you feel them with your whole body.”

At the end of the show, the musicians were joined on stage by a dozen students who volunteered to bang on the drums with Japanese sticks called bachi.

The colorful performance made a lasting impression.

“It was fun,” said 8-year-old Matt Land. “I learned about Japanese drums and how they sound.”

Classmate Brian Gunther, 9, said he liked the drums too. He added that students should learn about different cultures to enhance their knowledge for the future.

“It’s good to try other stuff for your career and things,” Brian said.