About Us
Shinsho - Mugen Daiko, founded in 1999, is a group of drummers who are interested in studying the art of Japanese drumming.
The founding director, Ikuyo Conant, emphasizes cultivation of energy, self-awareness and social and personal harmony in Taiko drumming. The group introduces a contemporary style of Taiko drumming with movements and powerful sounds at community, cultural and school events in Monterey County and beyond.
A Taiko drum is a simple instrument to create a simple yet fundamental sound. We Taiko drummers enjoy this activity of utter simplicity. After prolonged drumming, the Taiko drummer is spent like a marathon runner crossing the finish line. Taiko is powerful, yet for those whose hearts are aching for depth in their lives, the sound of Taiko is soothing and invigorating. This simple action of creating a convincing sound is extremely diffuicult, yet tremendously rewarding.
In times past, people lived in a world close to the spirits of nature and they were in awe of these powerful forces. Their symbol-based beliefs were naive but courageous. They were bound to the basic elements of nature, and in this way, their lives were in sync with the universal rhythms of nature.
