Welcome Yukai Daiko Generation 8!

Lots of thanks goes out to every single member who came out to our workshops. Each individual truly made workshops an amazing, unique, and exciting experience, and Yukai had so much fun teaching all of you.

Without further adue, we present to you our newest members of Yukai, Generation 8:
   Naho Kasukawa
   Steven Liu
   Young Kang
   Larry Lai
   Samuel Chiang
   Kristen Taketa
   Michelle Kao

Welcome to the Yukai Family G8! We can't wait for the taiko journey we embark together and how much you will grow and learn with us throughout the years to come.

Posted November 16, 2011

Trial Period Update

Thanks to everyone who came out for our first two weeks of trial period! We had fun introducing the instruments and seeing all the progress everyone has made in such a short while.

For those of you who missed out, new faces are always welcome... it's not too late!

Fridays, 8-10pm: meet at Bruin Bear
Saturdays, 12-2pm: meet at Bruin Bear

(last day of workshops is Saturday, November 12th)

Posted October 21, 2011

Yukai Daiko Trial Period 2011

Calling all interested taiko players!

Yukai Daiko is proud to announce its annual 6-week trial period, a series of FREE workshops for all UCLA students interested in learning the art of Japanese drumming. No musical experience? Not a problem! We break it down for you starting with the basics of form and technique, and ending with some songs from our own repertoire.

To kick off trial period, we will be hosting an Open House where you can meet our group and the other people in the workshops, ask any questions you may have, and see us perform!

Dates:
Open House: Thursday, October 6th, 7-9pm-- meet in front of the Bruin Bear
First week of trial period begins: Friday, October 7th, 8-10pm, and Saturday,October 8th, 12-2pm--meet in front of the Bruin Bear. Bring water and wear comfortable clothes.

Looking forward to meeting you,
Hotaru Naya and Loraine Laguerta
Yukai Daiko Directors of 2011-2012

Posted September 27, 2011

A New Step

To our adoring public:

We can hardly believe it's now been four fleeting weeks since the 2010-2011 school year came to a heartbreaking end. It's been a year full of groundbreaking firsts, tremendous growth, emotion-charged tears, and Yukai's signature laughing and loving. To everyone who supported us in any way throughout the year -- from offering a positive compliment to attending our Fall Trial Period, from leading a taiko workshop to simply attending our Spring Concert or any of our other gigs, from volunteering your time to help move massive amounts of equipment every day as we hosted the 17th Annual Intercollegiate Taiko Invitational to making a donation at one our bake sales or Vietnamese sandwich and boba sales -- we thank you for enabling us to continue carrying out our mission to rock those taiko drums and share the awe-inspiring experience of taiko with the community.

As we part with the past year, we also bid our directorship farewell. On the pivotal night of Friday, June 3rd, 2011, Yukai had an end-of-the-year banquet to celebrate the triumphs of this past year, honor our graduating seniors, and, finally, announce and dub the directors of Yukai Daiko 2011-2012. Immense congratulations to our new fearless leaders Hotaru Naya and Loraine Laguerta! We have the utmost confidence that you two will preserve the fundamental goals, values, and spirit of Yukai and lead the group to new and thrilling heights in its 8th year of existence.

Thank you, Yukai, for making directorship more than just a title or a mechanic shopping list of responsibilities. In ten years' time from now the most prominent things we'll remember about directorship will not be the hours we put into planning practices, coordinating gigs, or writing up weekly emails that we wonder if you even read, but they will be the faces of people falling in love with taiko for the first time and having the time of their lives with it, the way people suddenly came out of their shells and shocked us silly, the friendships and generational prides that sparked and blossomed, the adventurous food outings, the ridiculous matchmaking, the WWBD moments,... -- in essence, we will most remember Yukai being Yukai, and then we'll know that every second of directorship was worth it. It has been an honor serving you. For the last time now we close this post and thus publicly declare that the reign of Marty and Stephanie has come to a bittersweet finish. It's time for Yukai to take a new step -- atarashii ippo!




Photo credit: Jaclyn Chen

Sincerely, Marty & Stephanie Directors of Yukai Daiko 2010-2011

Posted July 7, 2011

Exciting upcoming events!

Hey readers!

Can you believe it's already May!? Yukai simply cannot believe how fast this year is flying by! But this year the group's been working hard to be the best taiko players that we can be, and as we near the end of the 2010-2011 school year, we're headed to finish strong with our three most exhilarating performances of the year! And guess what? YOU're invited to ALL THREE OF THEM! That's right, folks, "It's Showtime!"

So here's what's going down:

1) Chinese Cultural Dance Club (CCDC)'s Annual Lotus Steps concert: "Reflections"
When: Saturday, May 14th, 7:00 P.M.
Where: UCLA, Royce Hall
Cost: FREE! (but tickets required; available at the Central Ticket Office (CTO) at UCLA)
This year Yukai Daiko has been graciously invited to make a guest artist appearance in CCDC's grand annual Lotus Steps production and perform a few of our own explosive numbers in the beautiful Royce Hall! Come enjoy this dynamic night of dance, taiko, and more! Find out more on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=205237592840757!

2) Yukai's 7th Annual Spring Concert: "Atarashii Ippo" (roughly translated: "Shifting Winds")
When: Sunday, May 22nd, 7:30 P.M. (Doors open at 7:00 P.M.)
Where: UCLA, Ackerman Grand Ballroom
Cost: FREE!
Yukai's very own spring concert returns with an entourage of energetic hits! You'll see old songs, new songs, and plenty of innovative revisions to keep you fully engaged and enraptured as we enjoy the gift of taiko together with you! Join us as we celebrate the beauty of Yukai's continuing growth and transformation with this year's concert theme Atarashii Ippo! Find out more on and RSVP on Facebook (RSVP not required but preferred): http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=216953731664868!

3) 17th Annual Intercollegiate Taiko Invitational Concert @ UCLA!!!
When: Saturday, May 28th, 6:00 P.M. AND Sunday, May 29th, 4:00 P.M.
Where: UCLA, Ackerman Grand Ballroom
Cost: FREE!
Every year collegiate taiko players from across the nation come together for a weekend of networking, workshops, and a two-day concert featuring all participating collegiate taiko groups. This year, Yukai Daiko in cooperation with our sister group Kyodo Taiko has the proud privilege of hosting this amazing weekend to be known as the 17th Annual Intercollegiate Taiko Invitational at UCLA!! Check out this epic concert of collegiate taiko groups including UCSD Asayake Taiko, Cal Raijin Taiko, UCR Senryu Taiko, Cal Poly Touzan, Stanford Taiko, UCI Jodaiko, UCD Bakuhatsu Taiko, and more!

We hope to see you at these great events as Yukai wraps up the year with a BANG!

-Marty and Steph

Posted May 4, 2011

Upcoming performance - Beat 'SC Rally!

Come join us in the quintessentially Bruin tradition of the Beat SC Rally on Wednesday, Dec. 1st from 7:30 - 9:30 pm in Wilson Plaza! We will be opening the festivities right at 7:30 pm, along with Awaken A Capella, NSU Modern, Samahang Modern, and The Scattertones, with appearances by the UCLA Spirit Squad, UCLA Marching Band and of course, Coach Neuheisel and the UCLA Football Team! For more information, please click here. Hope to see you there!

Posted November 30, 2010

Introducing Yukai Daiko Generation 7!

An epic THANK YOU goes out to everyone who came out to Yukai Daiko Trial Period 2010!! It would not have been the same without every single person who was there!! You all helped make it a fantastic SUCCESS!! We had an absolutely awesome time teaching and playing taiko with you guys and hope that everyone took something deep and valuable away with them.

And now... *drum roll*... it is our grand privilege to present to you the eight electrifyingly effulgent members of Yukai Daiko's GENERATION 7!!
   Elise Chen
   Amanda Desowitz
   Mingja Edholm
   Sam Masunaga
   Larry Robinson
   Arata Tomiyoshi
   Tracy Yee
   Stephen Zech

Congratulations and welcome to the family, G7! We are so eager to see what pleasant surprises you will bring to Yukai and to play and grow alongside you!

To the future of Yukai! Ashita he!

-Marty and Stephanie

Posted November 15, 2010

Free upcoming Yukai performances!

Come on out to see, hear, and feel the intensity of Yukai Daiko in performance! We have two upcoming gigs that we are inviting YOU to!

1) Yukai will be performing at "International Coffee Break: Japan!" this Thursday, November 4th at the Dashew Center (in Tom Bradley International Hall, right around where De Neve turnaround and Dykstra Hall are) The actual event starts at 3 P.M., and there will be FREE coffee, tea, and Japanese snacks! YUM! But if you just wanna come for us, our performance time is 4 P.M. So if you're free, come by and root for us! :) (For more information about this event: http://www.internationalcenter.ucla.edu/Programs.aspx?ViewID=9&subviewID=0.)

2) Yukai will be making an explosive appearance at NSU's annual "Matsuri on the Hill" next Wednesday, November 10th in De Neve Quad! The epic event opens with Yukai at 6 P.M., and then runs until 8 P.M. with other exciting performances by UCLA Kendo, NSU Modern, NSU Odori, and of course, our sister UCLA taiko group Kyodo Taiko! There will also be several booths set up with Japanese crafts and games! You don't wanna miss out on this one!

Stay tuned for more upcoming gigs with Yukai Daiko!

Posted November 3, 2010

Trial Period Workshop TIME CHANGE

Attention! All Trial Period workshop-ees! Saturday Workshops moving to 12-2 P.M.!

In order to give you all the opportunity to practice in the Wooden Center, starting October 23rd, we will be moving our remaining Saturday workshop sessions to 12-2 P.M. (not 10 A.M.-12 P.M. anymore)! But keep coming out for workshops on Fridays at 8 P.M. and always meet us at the Bruin Bear as usual!

What's Trial Period? Refer to our last blog below! It's still not too late for you and your friends to come out and join the fun and excitement of playing taiko!

-Marty and Stephanie

Posted October 14, 2010

Yukai Daiko Invites YOU!

Looking for fun, great company, and a lil' thing called taiko (Japanese drumming)? Well then, we'd like to welcome you to...

Yukai Daiko's Annual OPEN HOUSE and FALL TRIAL PERIOD!

What better way to start a new school year than joining us at our 7th Annual Open House on October 6th, from 7-9 pm. Please meet us at the Bruin Bear for ice-breakers, games, and a mini performance just for you! We'll also be answering any questions about our trial process during a short info session so definitely make it if you can.

FREE Fall Trial Period will begin the weekend following Open House on Friday, Oct. 8th. Sessions will then continue to be held twice a week as follows:
  -every Friday from 8 PM-10 PM in the parking structure beneath the Wooden Center (Lot 4, P2)
  -every Saturday from 10 AM-12 PM in the Wooden Center
Our entire Trial Period will span Friday, Oct. 8th to Saturday, November 13th.

Our Trial Period is designed as a series of ongoing workshops, beginning with taiko basics and gradually working towards learning songs. As such, we encourage anyone and everyone to come out, even if they have no prior experience in taiko or even in music. Additionally, applications will be available towards the end of Trial Period for anyone interested in joining the team beyond Fall Quarter. But even if you aren't interested in joining the team for the year, we welcome you all the same to come out to our workshops and jam with us! We promise a swell time.

Please e-mail us at yukai.daiko@gmail.com with any questions you may have! We're happy to respond as soon as we can.

Have a great beginning of Fall Quarter everyone and we look forward to seeing you!

- Marty and Stephanie
Yukai Daiko Directors of 2010-2011

Posted September 20, 2010

Thank You!

On behalf of the members of Yukai Daiko, we would like to thank you all very much for coming out and making this year's concert, Ashita He, a wonderful experience. It was great to see your familiar faces in the audience and feel your support as we drummed through the night! To old friends, alumni, and new friends alike, thank you so much for your continued support and we hope to see some of you when Fall Quarter Workshop Period rolls around! Til then, Ja ne~!

Posted May 20, 2010

Yukai Daiko 6th Annual Spring Concert

Ashita he - To Tomorrow

Yukai Daiko invites you to join us for our 6th annual Spring Concert, "Ashita he" (To Tomorrow). Please come to enjoy a fun and festive evening of taiko and Yukai, featuring four new songs by our very own members and new twists on old favorites. This year is definitely not one to miss! We will be performing once again in Northwest Auditorium, and we can't wait to see you there!

Date: Sunday, May 16th
When: Doors open at 6:45 PM. Concert starts at 7 PM.
Where: Northwest Campus Auditorium
Admission: FREE (no tickets required, just bring yourself!)
Facebook event

And finally, DVD's of Spring Concert from this year and last year available for sale if you are interested in ordering.

Posted April 29, 2010

Welcome Yukai Daiko Generation 6

After six weeks of exciting and challenging workshops, Yukai's Trial Period 2009 has come to a close. We are happy to welcome our Generation 6 newbie class - Loraine Laguerta, Amanda Loh, Hotaru Naya, Amy Hartendorp, Peter Chang, Florence Lin, and Fred Arino. Congratulations to each of our newbies, and thank you to everyone who made these past six weeks such a great experience and made Trial Period a success!

Posted November 15, 2009

Yukai Daiko 6th Annual Open House

Interested in taiko (Japanese drumming)? You've found the right place!

Yukai Daiko welcomes you to our OPEN HOUSE and FALL TRIAL PERIOD!

With the start of the new year, Yukai Daiko would like to invite you to our 6th Annual OPEN HOUSE on Oct. 7th, Wednesday, from 8-10 PM. Please meet us at the Bear in Bruin Plaza at 8pm for a fun info session with ice-breakers and a mini performance. During Open House we will also be answering any questions you might have about Yukai's trial process and our free workshops.

The weekend following Open House will be the start of our Fall Trial Period. Yukai's trial period is designed in a workshop style, during which we will be teaching students how to play taiko. In the beginning, we will start out with taiko basics, and then we will gradually work up to learning songs. By the end of 5 weeks, you will have learned at least one song and be left with a basic understanding of North American Taiko. Also, close to the end of Fall Quarter, we will be passing out applications to those who are interested in joining our taiko team. However, whether or not you are interested in joining our team, we wish that you will come out and enjoy our trial period workshops!

Our practice schedule for this year's trial period is: Every Friday from 8-10 PM at the Parking Lot beneath the Wooden Center (Lot 4, level 2), and Every Saturday from 10-12 PM in the Wooden Center

Trial Period begins on Friday, October 9th and lasts until Saturday, November 14th.

If you cannot find us, please email us at yukai.daiko@gmail.com. We will be going into more detail during our Open House so please come if you can.

We hope to see you there!

- Jessica and Isabella (Directors of Yukai Daiko for 2009-2010)

Posted October 2, 2009

Yukai Daiko 5th Annual Spring Concert

Koko ni Iru Yo - Here We Are!

Yukai Daiko would like to invite YOU to our fifth annual spring concert, "Koko ni Iru Yo!" (Here We Are!). Come enjoy an evening of music and fun as you experience our unique blend of the traditional and the modern. Koko ni Iru Yo will be the culmination of the hard work of all of our members this past year, and we can't wait to share it with all of you. There will also be an interactive preshow workshop where you can learn more about North American taiko as well as the history of Yukai. Don't miss out! The concert will take place on Sunday, May 31 in the Covel Grand Horizon Ballroom at UCLA. The concert is FREE so invite your friends! Hope to see all of you there!

Date: Sunday, May 31
When: Doors open at 6:45. Informational workshop from 7:00. Concert begins at 7:30.
Where: Covel Grand Horizon Ballroom, UCLA
Admission: FREE (no tickets required)
Facebook group


Posted April 23, 2009

Yukai Daiko Spring Quarter Update

Welcome to Spring 2009!

After a long hiatus from our website, Yukai would like to welcome everyone to Spring Quarter 2009! We have an amazing line up for this quarter and we would love to share this excitement with all of our supporters, friends, and family.

First off, Yukai is extremely honored to be performing in UCLA's oldest and greatest musical tradition -- Spring Sing 2009! For those who are unfamiliar with Spring Sing, it is a huge collection of performances put together annually by UCLA's very own. Sponsored and hosted by the Student Alumni Association, Spring Sing features highly talented students from all across campus, ranging from fraternities and sororities to student-formed garage bands. From drumming to singing to dancing to celebrity sightings, Spring Sing is one amazing show you will NOT want to miss! This year, the show is bigger than ever and is scheduled for Friday, May 8th in Pauley Pavilion. Expected to come accept the Ira and George Gershwin Award is the one and only Julie Andrews! For tickets and more information, please visit http://www.uclalumni.net/CalendarEvents/springsing/2009/home.cfm.

After Spring Sing, Yukai will be taking its annual trip to the Collegiate Taiko Invitational during Memorial Day weekend (May 23-25), which is hosted this year at University of California Irvine! The Collegiate Taiko Invitational is a gathering of college-based taiko groups from all over the country. It is a chance for collegiate taiko groups to come together to share their own unique styles and interpretations of the art, while also being able to attend workshops led and taught by many prominent names of North American taiko -- On Ensemble, Kenny Endo, San Francisco Taiko Dojo, Michelle Fuji, to name a few. On May 24 and May 25, there will be two (different) concerts featuring select pieces from each group. Anyone and everyone is welcomed to come check it out! For more information or if you have any questions, please contact Evelyn at justwangit@gmail.com.

As if that wasn't enough, to end the year with a huge bang, Yukai will be hosting its 5th annual SPRING CONCERT, entitled "Kokoni Iru Yo (Here We Are)." This year's show will be held in Covel Grand Horizon Ballroom on Sunday, May 31 -- mark your calendars! Like always, this event is FREE, so please come join us as we put on a display of what we've been working on all year! Hope to see you there. :)

Finally, last but by far not least, we would like to post an belated official welcome to Yukai's Generation 5 newbies! A warm welcome to: Kristin Lo, Martin Fong, Phoebe Ping, Benjamin Liu, Erik Lee, Kevin Jercinovich, Jaclyn Chen, Alexander Sy, Michael Hirota, and Steve Chung. Congratulations and welcome to the Yukai family! To find out more about our new members, please visit the newly updated Members page!

Posted April 16, 2009

Yukai Daiko 5th Annual Open House

Welcome to Fall 2008 Trial Period!

Yukai Daiko will be kicking off our Fall Trial Period with our annual Open House on October 8th. Please meet us out at the Bear in Bruin Plaza at 8pm for a night of awesome performances, meet-and-greets with our current members, and a short info session where we'll be answering any questions you might have about Yukai's trial process.

Yukai's trial period is an annual event that spans about five weeks where college students of any level of taiko experience (including none!) can come and enjoy a series of workshops designed to help introduce this amazing cultural art to the UCLA community. Our practice schedule for Trial Period is:
Open House - Wednesday October 8th from 8pm-10pm
Trial Period - Every Friday from 8pm-10pm and Saturday from 10am-12pm

Trial Period begins on Friday October 10th and lasts until Friday, November 14th. We hope to see you there!

Posted October 6, 2008

Yukai Daiko 4th Annual Spring Concert

Issho Ni Ikou - Let's Go!

It's that time again! Yukai Daiko will be presenting our fourth annual Spring Concert on Sunday, June 1 at 7pm in Northwest Campus Auditorium.

Come enjoy an evening of taiko drumming, featuring traditional elements alongside more modern interpretations of this Japanese artform. Doors open at 6:30 and tickets are free! Come be a part of Yukai Daiko's last performance of the 2007-2008 season!

Posted May 15, 2008