About Taiko Drumming

Taiko is the Japanese word for drum (literally 'big drum’). Taiko drums have been used in Japan for over 1500 years in Shinto festivals, imperial court ceremonies, Buddhist ceremonies and the dramatic arts, and on battlefields.

Taiko also refers to the art of group performance on taiko drums, which dates back to the early 1950’s. The main drums with their powerful deep sound are accompanied by other traditional Japanese drums and percussion instruments, such as hand-held cymbals and traditional Japanese bamboo flutes.

The drums are large, their combined sound is powerful, and performers’ movements are big – taiko is a musical art form like no other.

Founders

Lianne Stephenson

Lianne Stephenson, co-founder of Wai Taiko started her journey studying Japanese at Hamilton Girls High School.

She joined the school taiko club at the earliest opportunity and it quickly became a passion. Returning home, she felt bereft and when a fellow HGHS student returned from Kyoto with the same enthusiasm she was determined to bring this unique art form to Aotearoa. She begged her handy father Barry to make some drums out of wine barrels and the rest is history. Lianne retired from Wai Taiko in 2015 when she became a mother. She hopes to return some time in the future.

Michelle Dempster-Rivett

Michelle was introduced to taiko as an exchange student in Japan, where she joined the school club. On returning to New Zealand, she connected with Lianne and along with the incredible support of the Japanese department at the University of Waikato they formed Wai Taiko.

Michelle and Lianne led the club together for 10 years, seeing it evolve from a small community group to running full scale concerts, a national taiko festival and finally an awesome tour of Japan. Unfortunately, she then moved out of Hamilton but she continues to be a fan and supporter of Wai Taiko from afar!

Leaders

Mike Vallabh

Mike was first introduced to Taiko by friends who experienced it at a concert in Hamilton. With an interest in photography, he started following the group's performances to capture them in action.

However, photos were not enough and he soon found himself at a public workshop. That was back in 2004 and since then he has never stopped. Together with Ken McNeil, he now leads the Wai Taiko drumming group. Travelling to Japan, Australia and Hawaii, Mike continues to further his taiko knowledge and skills and brings them back to share with his fellow members.

Ken McNeil

Ken had enjoyed watching taiko drumming at shrine festivals in Japan, but never imagined that he would be able to do it in Hamilton New Zealand. So, he was near the front of the queue to join when Lianne and Michelle formed Wai Taiko. Thanks to their teaching and that of the overseas taiko players they invited he has managed to achieve some proficiency in drumming.

Influenced by the shinobue (bamboo flute) players that he saw playing with Japanese taiko groups, he has also taken up this instrument, and enjoys playing it as part of a Wai Taiko performance. After receiving so much from Wai Taiko Ken is happy to be able to contribute something back to the group in its third decade.