TCLA Mission Statement

Through taiko, our "ki" (heart, mind and spirit) is expressed.

Through taiko, our energy and spirit are released and received by our audience.

Through taiko, we try to achieve oneness, forget the self, and release ourselves from our egos.

In order to preserve and pass on this art form, classes and workshops are taught at various locations in the community. Anyone is welcome to learn.

One not only learns taiko-playing skills, but also builds character, a sense of working together, and a strong appreciation for tradition and the arts.

Taiko is used as an educational tool to teach the music, culture and history of Japanese Americans. Through taiko, children in schools and in the community can learn valuable concepts such as respect, positive attitude, self-esteem and teamwork.

Performances help make taiko visible to the general public as well as allowing performers to share the joy of taiko with their audiences.

We perform both traditional works and create new ones, often experimenting with intercultural musical fusions.