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Ontario festival offers mini-lesson in Japanese American drumming

Janet Komoto, joined by Morgan Bruton, performs a drum piece for a group at the Four Rivers Cultural Center on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021. (The Enterprise/SCOTTA CALLISTER)

ONTARIO – “Doro tsuku … Doro tsuku … Doro tsuku … Don … Don …”

Sounding out the different beats, instructor Janet Komoto led a class of first-timers in a traditional Taiko drumming song last Saturday at Four Rivers Cultural Center.

The workshop, which followed a video presentation, was part of the Tradition Keepers Folklife Festival at the center.

The free event drew people to learn about arts of various cultures, including the Japanese drumming style, Western saddle making, folkloric music and dance, and cowboy poetry.

Assisted by Morgan Bruton, an accomplished student of the drumming form, Komoto introduced the drumming art to volunteers from the audience, from youngsters to senior citizens.

Komoto is part of Kawa Taiko, a Japanese American drum ensemble that performs throughout the Treasure Valley and also offers classes.

Those attending the workshop take a short hand-on lesson in the drumming art. (The Enterprise/SCOTTA CALLISTER)

Janet Komoto (left) and Morgan Bruton demonstrate the proper form to achieve specific drum sounds. (The Enterprise/SCOTTA CALLISTER)

Jude Forrester, 6, concentrates on the drumming instructions. (The Enterprise/SCOTTA CALLISTER)

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