Melinda Leoce Attends Japanese Taiko Workshop

Graceland University Instructor of Percussion and Director of Athletic Bands Melinda Leoce, MM

Graceland University Instructor of Percussion and Director of Athletic Bands Melinda Leoce, MM, and seven Graceland students attended a Japanese taiko workshop in Des Moines Nov. 22. Japanese taiko is a form of athletic, artistic drumming that includes dramatic arm movements and vocalizations while playing. Ben Blystone, drummer and past artistic director of Soten Taiko based in Des Moines, facilitated the workshop. Blystone discussed the history of taiko and traditional etiquette when practicing, and he taught some exercises and a short song to close out the workshop.