FUNDRAISER UPDATE!
In November of this year, I was invited by Art Lee of Wadaiko Tokara to join in an intensive taiko training course in Iida-shi, Nagano, Japan. At first, I was thrilled that I would be invited. Then I saw the price tag and became very sad. Being a full-time student working two jobs to support myself through school means that financing something like this would be impossible. Thankfully, I still am able to practice, continue learning from Ishikura-Sensei and on occasion, perform. :)
I started to think very hard about my future and what I am planning to accomplish. Opening a school after college is a mountainous feat. One that can help to provide cultural diversity, education, and create value in a community through a common element -- taiko. As I continued thinking about this, I realized that someday I am going to have to receive more training in other elements of kumi-daiko. Why? To teach, one must take the time to learn. To learn, some sacrifices have to be made. Teaching means that I have learned the skills as a practitioner to correctly provide instruction to others while maintaining the tradition, heritage, and history of taiko drumming. It is all too important to me to make sure that I do not ‘pretend’ to know what I am doing. It would be tragic if I had a hand in tainting such a historically significant part of Japan's culture.
With this newly found determination to utilize the many resources around the country and world, I made the decision that the training course with Art Lee is to be the first of many steps to widening my horizons and immersing myself in the environment where taiko drumming originated from. Furthering my education with the ambitions to give to others.
There was still the element of cost, however, which would be the ultimate determining factor. A friend and fellow drummer here in Orlando, FL suggested that I begin a fundraiser which captures my goals and aspirations while humbly asking for support. I carefully considered the option and decided that this would be the best way to spread the word about what I am hoping to achieve.
In the second week of November, I started a campaign through GoFundMe. Since then, I have been overwhelmed with support from friends, family, colleagues and fellow taiko drummers from around the world. To this day, I have been able to raise $1,315 towards my $3500 goal!
The money raised will go towards the tuition and hotel, airfare, transfer services, food, and JR RailPass.
I wanted to take a moment and personally thank each and every individual who have been so generous and willing to contribute to my dreams of furthering my education and opening a school of my own. Without your support, my chances of success would be very slim. You have all encouraged me to think outside of self and remember that my true motivation is to pass on this amazing art to a new generation for which they can enjoy.
I must also inform those of you who are taking the time to read this and join me in my little corner of the world, that if there are any additional funds raised from this campaign I intend to open a high-yield savings account to begin saving money for the school. If I do happen to reach an amount over my goal, the mission of the fundraiser will change so that it will reflect a new goal.
I am thrilled to be able to share with you this most wonderful update. As we close the end of 2014, I must remember to be thoughtful of those who have been so selfless and helpful over the last month.
With many thanks and love.
-Jason S.
In November of this year, I was invited by Art Lee of Wadaiko Tokara to join in an intensive taiko training course in Iida-shi, Nagano, Japan. At first, I was thrilled that I would be invited. Then I saw the price tag and became very sad. Being a full-time student working two jobs to support myself through school means that financing something like this would be impossible. Thankfully, I still am able to practice, continue learning from Ishikura-Sensei and on occasion, perform. :)
I started to think very hard about my future and what I am planning to accomplish. Opening a school after college is a mountainous feat. One that can help to provide cultural diversity, education, and create value in a community through a common element -- taiko. As I continued thinking about this, I realized that someday I am going to have to receive more training in other elements of kumi-daiko. Why? To teach, one must take the time to learn. To learn, some sacrifices have to be made. Teaching means that I have learned the skills as a practitioner to correctly provide instruction to others while maintaining the tradition, heritage, and history of taiko drumming. It is all too important to me to make sure that I do not ‘pretend’ to know what I am doing. It would be tragic if I had a hand in tainting such a historically significant part of Japan's culture.
With this newly found determination to utilize the many resources around the country and world, I made the decision that the training course with Art Lee is to be the first of many steps to widening my horizons and immersing myself in the environment where taiko drumming originated from. Furthering my education with the ambitions to give to others.
There was still the element of cost, however, which would be the ultimate determining factor. A friend and fellow drummer here in Orlando, FL suggested that I begin a fundraiser which captures my goals and aspirations while humbly asking for support. I carefully considered the option and decided that this would be the best way to spread the word about what I am hoping to achieve.
In the second week of November, I started a campaign through GoFundMe. Since then, I have been overwhelmed with support from friends, family, colleagues and fellow taiko drummers from around the world. To this day, I have been able to raise $1,315 towards my $3500 goal!
The money raised will go towards the tuition and hotel, airfare, transfer services, food, and JR RailPass.
I wanted to take a moment and personally thank each and every individual who have been so generous and willing to contribute to my dreams of furthering my education and opening a school of my own. Without your support, my chances of success would be very slim. You have all encouraged me to think outside of self and remember that my true motivation is to pass on this amazing art to a new generation for which they can enjoy.
I must also inform those of you who are taking the time to read this and join me in my little corner of the world, that if there are any additional funds raised from this campaign I intend to open a high-yield savings account to begin saving money for the school. If I do happen to reach an amount over my goal, the mission of the fundraiser will change so that it will reflect a new goal.
I am thrilled to be able to share with you this most wonderful update. As we close the end of 2014, I must remember to be thoughtful of those who have been so selfless and helpful over the last month.
With many thanks and love.
-Jason S.