Grand Vision is proud to announce a new partnership with TaikoVentures, an organization dedicated to uplifting professional taiko artists.
Grand Vision has offered community classes in Japanese taiko drumming since 2013. The program, Team Taiko, began as part of Grand Vision’s Meet the Music program, originally serving English as a Second Language (ESL) adult students at local schools. After going virtual during the pandemic, Team Taiko evolved into its current form in 2021 — a tuition-based in-person and online program at the Grand Annex Music Hall open to the entire community, while remaining accessible to ESL learners.
ManMan Mui, Grand Vision Teaching Artist
Classes are led by teaching artist ManMan Mui. With a bow and aisatsu (greeting), Team Taiko students are invited to learn rhythmic patterns and experience the communal joy of taiko drumming. ManMan’s former mentor and taiko pioneer, Kenny Endo, introduced them to Sue Kanagawa Yuen, the founder of TaikoVentures, and after a collaborative performance, a partnership began.
Sue’s experience as a taiko performer and organizer made her aware of the challenges taiko professionals face, especially when it comes to making a sustainable living. This realization led Sue to create TaikoVentures, an organization dedicated to supporting taiko artists by offering employment paperwork assistance, monetary support and advocacy for taiko artists. TaikoVentures also hosts an online subscription-based taiko content library with concert videos, taiko documentaries and talks for taiko professionals.
TaikoVentures also preserves the music and performances of taiko players of the “pioneer generation” through its archival project, LegacyLabs, and fosters community through Hui, a mutual aid initiative. Sue’s upcoming project, TaikoAdventures, will take taiko lovers on trips to culturally significant destinations such as the dojos of taiko pioneers.
Sue Kanagawa Yuen, TaikoVentures Founder
Through her work, Sue is ensuring that future generations of taiko artists can thrive — not just creatively, but economically as well. Grand Vision is inspired by Sue’s dedication and passion for this unique art form. Our new partnership brings together Grand Vision’s commitment to accessible community arts and TaikoVentures’ mission to uplift taiko artists professionally and economically. Together, we look forward to bringing the powerful spirit of taiko drumming to even more people in the South Bay.
Drum with us! Team Taiko meets Monday nights at the Grand Annex Music Hall.
