St. Olaf Taiko Drumming Songs
Below you will links to learn more about our songs that we perform on and off campus. Some of these songs also have videos that you can view. Note: The newer video files are in Quicktime format, and may require a few seconds to load. This area will be updated as more media is uploaded. Thank you!
Jouba
Jouba is a song created by Steven Braun, President of our club. The song is quite catchy, and at times, is reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda. Watch videos and learn more here about Jouba.
Toji-tera he no Tabi (Journey to Toji Temple)
Journey is a piece taught to the St. Olaf group from Mu Daiko. It depicts an epic journey to get to Toji Temple- facing struggles and overcoming battles, all with the help of Taiko drums! Watch videos and learn more here about Journey.
Ayame
Ayame is a song created by our very own Olivia James. The song utilizes an interesing chu and odaiko combination, something unique to the rest of our songs. Watch videos and learn more here about Ayame.
Ee Ja Nai Ka
Ee Ja Nai Ka (Isn't it good?) is an open-source song taught to the group through San Jose Taiko. It's a very fun song, usually performed at matsuri (celebrations). Watch videos and learn more here about Journey.
Matsuri
Matsuri is the first song that our Kohai, or first-year performers, learn in our Taiko group. Translated to English, the name means Festival. Watch videos and learn more here about Matsuri.
Raku
Raku means fun in Japanese, and it holds to its name. Originally developed by Shidara Taiko, Raku is fun to play and to watch. Watch videos and learn more here about Raku.
Yuubinkyouku
Yuubinkyouku he no Tabi (Journey to the Post Office), was our first-ever original St. Olaf Taiko song, created by Steven Braun. It has a similar feel to Matsuri, but has slightly more energy and emphasis on form. Watch videos and learn more here about Yuubinkyouku.
Pounding Hooves
Pounding Hooves is a piece that we only play for on-campus events due to copyright restrictions. This song combines three different parts of chu drums, and a very catchy gallop beat. Watch videos and learn more here about Pounding Hooves.
Nami
Nami (Wave) is a piece created by our own Teddy Covey. As the name implies, the song makes the audience think of waves and flowing motions. As with Pounding Hooves, there are three different parts to the song which are different but work together harmoniously at the same time. Watch videos and learn more here about Nami.
Ouichi
Ouichi is a song created by the famous taiko-master Kenny Endo, and our group is lucky enough to be able to play it. It's a song with a lot of energy. It's amazingly fun to play- but also exhausting. Watch videos and learn more here about Ouichi.
Bisuketto to Kiken
Bisuketto to Kiken (Biscuits and Danger), is a St. Olaf Taiko original song, composed by our own Steven Braun. The best parts of this song are the odaiko solo, and the switching of drum positions during the song. Watch videos and learn more here about B&K.
Omiyage
Omiyage is an open-source song, originally from TAIKOPROJECT. In Japananese, Omiyage meanns "gift" or "souvenir". It's our gift to you! Our group was taught by Joe Mignano of Mu Daiko. It's a spectacular song. Watch videos and learn more here about Omiyage.