I saw my first taiko performance in high school, when I performed as a flutist for the Suzuki School of Music at the Japan Expo held at the L.A. Convention Center. The taiko group took the stage after me, and blew me away. I'd never seen (or felt) anything like it. I was especially impressed by the combination of power, drama, grace and athleticism in the performance. I remember thinking how cool it would be to try it, but didn't know how I could, especially with all my other musical activities at the time. I began as a pianist, but was never any good. Thankfully, my mom tried me on another instrument, the flute, and it's been a great fit ever since. I continue to play with the Puget Sound Symphony Orchestra and the Lake Union Wind Quintet. I had moved to Seattle in 2002 for my residency in Internal Medicine, and after finishing it, finally found myself with a job and a regular schedule, allowing a life outside work. I thought about taiko one evening, googled it, and found SKT's fall class - my first taiko training. It's been a thrilling learning process so far and I'm looking forward to all there is to come... :)