Wem Taiko Fest Visiting Artists - James Barrow

James Barrow

1986-90:Studied traditional Taiko Drumming and Yokobue flute styles in Hiroshima .

1993-95: Set up and led UK’s first regularly performing Taiko Group -”Akatsuki Daiko”. Set up UK’s first regular taiko courses at Gyosei Taiko School, with Mark Alcock, leader of London’s Taiko Meantime.

1996: Began regular performances with renowned Japanese multi-percussionist Joji Hirota.

1998: Completed course in Community Music Workshop Skills at University of London Goldsmiths College and began teaching and performing taiko full time.

1998-2000: Inset training for music teachers with Japan Festival Education Trust. Consultant on major TV advertising and Japanese animation projects. UK tour with Kagemusha’s “Brother Drum” project fusing Anglo-Celtic music with Taiko.

1998-2000 cont: Joined 3-year National Lottery-funded “Drum Orchestra” project, combining West African drum and dance, digital percussion and Taiko.

2001: Set up TAIKO WALES. Major contributor to the nation-wide Japan Festival, teaching 3,000+ participants at over 50 schools, colleges & festivals under 5 separate funded projects.

2002: First “Tekno Taiko” project at Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan, combining Taiko workshops with sampled digital rhythms, culminating in performance supporting “Mugenkyo”.

2001- 2003: Teaching taiko to young people across Shropshire as part of “Newroots” - the National Foundation for Youth Music Action Zone -based at Belmont Arts Centre, Shrewsbury, combining Taiko with DJs skills .

2004: Established TAIKO WEST as the arts education organisation promoting awareness of - and involvement in - Taiko Drumming across the West Midlands and the Welsh Borders.

2005: Developing & Composing “Tekno Taiko”. Also guest performer with London’s “Taiko Meantime” on UK & European Tour with Henri Oguike Dance Company, Winter 05/Spring ‘06

2006: Set Up new performing group “Ki”, playing original new Taiko grooves with electronic backing.

2007: Year-long Corporate Teambuilding project with First Step Management & staff of local Council . Recording & performing with “Ki”.

2008-09: Expanded corporate teambuidling with local councils. Extended schools and ongoing public workshops. Extensive series of workshops in Telford for holiday clubs & Access to Activities project for those with disabilities and learning difficulties.