Grace Chien I saw my first taiko performance in college and was amazed at the synchronization of the players and the power of the sound from the drums. It was unlike any other show I'd seen with its mix of rhythm and almost dance-like routines. Ever since then I've always wanted to learn how to play taiko. During the year that I was living in Tokyo, I had hoped to find a place to learn taiko. Unfortunately, due to my unusual work schedule, I never had the opportunity to do. When I came back to Seattle it never occurred to me that there would be the chance to learn taiko here. So on a whim last winter, I did a search for Seattle-area taiko groups and lo and behold I came across the Seattle Kokon Taiko site and found that they offered lessons. Needless to say I was ecstatic and even more so when there was an opening in the January class. Now having witnessed first-hand the dedication of the members first-hand through their willingness to teach and their technique which has been honed through years of practice, Seattle Kokon Taiko is a group that I joined and would love the opportunity learn more from.