History of Bowdoin Taiko

Bowdoin Taiko operates in an interesting environment, close enough to other taiko groups to be influenced by them, but far enough away to develop mostly on its own.  Dan, the group's first director and sensei, learned taiko in the Stockton Bukkyou taiko group of Stockton, California, under the tutelage of Earle Fox (himself a member of the Sacramento Taiko Dan), and so Bowdoin Taiko's basic style is rooted in the San Joaquin valley.  The hand movements are powerful, relatively simple, and involve the whole body, with the center of balance shifting as we play.  The whole thrust of the choreography also tends toward the goofy.Transplanted into New England, this style has also been influenced by the groups around us, including Burlington Taiko, Odaiko New England.

With each new leader following Dan, there have been additional twists in chereography and songs, notably:
Doran Rivera, who studied under Seichi Tanaka and brought a more martial arts approach
Andrew Stetzler, who while in Japan studied with taiko groups during his entire stay
MacConnell Evans, who brought ideas of effective use of every taiko in making more modern songs
Alex Pfister, who has a taiko background rooted in Gymnastics and Steel Drum.

Since it's foundation, Dan has kept a history of Bowdoin Taiko as it becomes a prominent group, and in time this will hopefully be expanded with the new eras of the newer leaders.