IMUA
Imua: to move forward with strength
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I composed a short, simple Beginner Taiko piece that I could use for introductory taiko classes and school groups. The level is intended for beginner taiko players, or players who have taken time off during COVID and wish to revisit the basics of taiko while learning a new piece. The beats and movement are rooted more in strength, than they are in grace, which is contrary to what I typically prefer to play, but it seemed appropriate for 2020 to focus on strength and moving forward. The word Imua crossed my path on social media, and I liked the name and meaning. There is lots of opportunity built in, to discuss taiko basics such as stance, weight distribution, rhythm, syncopation, don and ka technique, crescendo, arm position/movement, and interlocking parts (just to name a few!).
Sheet Music and general arrangement (fue music to be posted separately):
Practice videos:
Imua chu Part A (100 bpm practice tempo)
Imua chu Part A x2 (100 bpm practice tempo)
Example of canon section (chu parts 1-4 on the sheet music diagram)