Our Approach
Our Story
About New Mexico Taiko
The New Mexico Taiko group was founded in 1981 through the New Mexico Japanese American Citizen's league as an annual event for the Omatsuri festival held in Albuquerque. At this time the Omatsuri was a time for ethnic Japanese and Japanese-AMericans of New Mexico to celebrate their heritage and share it with the greater community.
Although the group was not active from 1985-1995, the spirit of taiko and a renewed interest brought back this rich artistic heritage to showcase at the American/Japanese Week Event held in 1995.
Since then, the New Mexico Taiko group has continued to preserve the cultural tradition of Japanese drumming. Its members wear the traditional kimono-style attire as they perform energizing choreographed performances of synchronized drumming.
One of the founding members, Calvin Kobayashi remains as the head sensei (instructor) of the New Mexico Taiko group. With over 20 years experience, he has trained with professional groups such as Denver Taiko, San Jose Taiko, Sawagi Taiko, and Kenny Endo. He has made several of the group's drums and has recently been the president of the New Mexico Japanese American Citizen's League. The other members of the group are also established taiko musicians who have dedicated themselves to the "way of the drum."
Meet the Group
Although a self-proclaimed "garage-band" in lighter moments, New Mexico Taiko has developed into a dynamic taiko group performing at many prominent civic and private events throughout New Mexico.
Calvin Kobayashi
Head Sensei and Founder
One of the founding members, Calvin Kobayashi remains as the head sensei (instructor) of the New Mexico Taiko group. With over 20 years experience, he has trained with professional groups such as Denver Taiko, San Jose Taiko, Sawagi Taiko, and Kenny Endo.
Kit Turner
Taiko Drummer
Matthew Ormita
Taiko Drummer
Angie Tomilson
Taiko Drummer
Anna Turner
Taiko Drummer
Anna has been playing taiko for 12+ years. She has been going to Japan for the last 20 years. She first started going to Japan to work with bonsai masters. However for the last 10 years she has been going to Japan to play taiko. "My teacher allows me to bring back the pieces I learn and teach them to the group," says Turner. Anna also goes to Japan to work with her karate master. She has earned two black belts, one in Shotokan and another in Goju Ryu.
Contact us
Interested in learning or booking New Mexico Taiko for a performance or educational demonstration?
