"THANK YOU SO MUCH for the japanese drumming workshop. I thought Mark was an amazing instructor, he was very calm and had great control, a great attitude and incredible enthusiasm - that we all came away with! We were all really entertained - and the boys went to sleep drumming on their legs! Many thanks for a terrific day."
- Donna, Parent
- Donna, Parent
Recent School Visits and Testimonials
Rokeby School, Kingston - 30th March 2012
Viking Primary, Ealing - 28th March 2012
Belvue Special School, Ealing - 27th March 2012
Three Bridges Primary, Ealing - 26th March 2012
It was a great experience for all. Thank you.
Matthew Burdett, Head of Music
Greenwood Primary, Ealing - 21st March 2012
The children really loved the workshops and it was a brilliant look into both culture and music.
Thank you for being so helpful and professional. Wish we could have you more often.
Sharon Murphey, Music co-ordinator
Newstead Wood School, Orpington - 15th March 2012
I should like to thank you for once again providing another excellent Percussion Workshop for year 7 during our recebt Enrichment Week. The students thoroughly enjoyed the occasion and were most apprciative of the session.
Ben Greene, Deputy Head Teacher
Yesterday was excellent. Thank you so much.
John Parsons, Head of Music
Haydon School, Eastcote - Spring term 2012
Imperial College Sanka day - 23rd Feb 2012
Just wanted to say thank you for delivering such an enjoyable session yesterday.
The children and teachers clearly had a great time and we look forward to having you back in May.
Jenny wilson
Phoenix School, Tower Hamlets - 20th Feb 2012
Willington Prep, Wimbledon - 22nd Feb 2012
Thank you for your wonderful tuition during our Arts Festival.
It was a real highlight of the festival and the feedback from the boys was so positive.
We really did appreciate your skills and your excellent teaching. All the boys really enjoyed their time with you.
Helen Davies, Director of Music
‘My favourite thing about the Arts Festival was the Taiko Drumming
because you had to strike the drum very hard and some of the drums were ginormous!”
Yusuf, pupil
“I really enjoyed the drumming because Mark showed us again and again so we could do it easily.”
Max, pupil
Longsands College, St Neots - 30th and 31st Jan 2012
Blackheath Nursery & Preparatory School, London. 11-week Spring term project 2012
Once again a huge huge thank you. The concert was, as ever, amazing. Looking forward to it all again next January.
Penny Thompson, Headmistress
Witchford Village College, Cambridgeshire - 15th Dec 2012
The Willows Primary School, Newbury (parents and children's project) - 16th, 17th, 29th and 30th Nov 2011
Mark came to work with our families over 4 days. We had attracted a
grant to cover the workshops, the aim being to raise the life
aspiration of many of our hard to reach and challenging families. We
chose Taiko Meantime for a number of reasons:
Firstly none of our families had experience of Taiko and therefore
there were no exitsing prejudices. Secondly Taiko is a highly
disciplined art. Many of our families do not have much routine in
their own lives and we felt that a physical discipline would encourage.
Thirdly I had personal experience of Taiko Meantime's work via my own
experience and interest in Japanese culture.
Mark was extremely motivating and patient! His welcoming manner
encouraged all participants from the smallest 4 year old to extremely
disaffected young parents to join in, yet the rigour of the Taiko
discipline challenged everyone. Mark's teaching style was
inspirational, yet flexible enough to adapt to local context and
conditions. We even managed to fit in a staff workshops and several
impromtu performances, including one from him and his colleague. We
are already planning a return visit.
Alexandra Butler, Headteacher
It was wonderful to see some of our more Vulnerable parents having fun with their children. In particular,
hearing how one Looked After Child has responded having attended with her Dad makes
the whole experience a success. The sessions also allowed parents and families from
all walks of life to mix and get to know one another which in our community cannot be underestimated as we move forward.
Hilary Purton, Governor for Care, Guidance and Support
Thanks to you and Jack for being so perfect for our school. Kids and
parents are still talking about it and asking when the next sessions will be.
Jill Bellingham
Surrey Arts workshop, Westfield, nr Woking - 30th Oct 2011
THANK YOU SO MUCH for letting my boys join the japanese drumming workshop yesterday.
They both thoroughly enjoyed it - and I was amazed that they kept up!
I thought Mark was an amazing instructor, he was very calm and had great control,
a great attitude and incredible enthusiasm - that we all came away with!
We were all really entertained - and the boys went to sleep drumming on their legs!
Many thanks for a terrific day - and please let me know if you run anything similar again.
Donna, Parent
Eastbourne College - 29th Sept 2011
Thank you for coming down. The pupils really enjoyed the workshop and got a lot from it.
Joe Hughes
St Agatha's Catholic Primary School - 23rd Sept 2011
Thanks ever so much for a fab day. The assembly kicked off the day perfectly and the children throughly enjoyed the workshops! There was lots of positive feedback from the staff too.
Salomé Humanes
Thanks for a great day today. I know the children loved trying the taiko :)
Zoe Moores
Imperial College London, 'Sanka Day' - 21st Sept 2011
I would just like to take this opportunity to thank you for playing a part in our Sanka day here at Imperial College last week.
We appreciate the time and effort you gave to working with the young children.
The feedback forms that the children filled out were all really positive which was great to read.
Samantha Bell
Priory School, Lewes - 15th July 2011
Haydon School, Eastcote - 14th July 2011
Great Baddow School, Chelmsford - 8th July 2011
May I say a massive thank you for all your
efforts during your visit to our school. The day was very
successful and I know our students really enjoyed themselves.
H Jefferies
Sherringham Primary School, Newham - 6th and 7th July 2011
Longsands College, St Neots - 4th and 5th July 2011
St Philomena's School, Carshalton - 1st July 2011
Pheonix School, Tower Hamlets - 16th June 2011
Hertford Regional College - 29th March 2011
Oldfield Primary, Ealing - 28th March 2011
Mayfield Primary, Ealing - 25th March 2011
Thank-you for a very successful series of workshops on Friday. I know the children enjoyed the experience, as did the staff.
Michael Mappin
Haydon School, Eastcote, 4 week project - March, April 2011
I would like to thank you for arranging the Taiko Drumming
sessions with Mark and for giving the Link students an
opportunity to play in the Spring Concert. Ever since the concert I have been letting everyone know how
amazing Taiko Drumming is! Mark was brilliant with all of
the boys and the skills they learnt during the training
sessions will stand them in good stead. It helped them with
their concentration, confidence and for some their
co-ordination. Once again, many thanks.
Jane Gurd, Head of Social Inclusion Unit
Ealing - Featherstone Primary, Ealing - 22nd March 2011
The feed back from children and staff alike is that they had a FANTASTIC time with you yesterday - staff came back full of smiles, thrilled and energised!
Julie Richardson
Perivale Primary School, Ealing - 21st March 2011
Newstead Wood School, Orpington - 17th March 2011
Eltham Collage Junior School - 4th March 2011
James Allen's School, Dulwich - 4th Feb 2011
Longsands College, St Neots, Cambridgeshire - 31st Jan and 1st Feb 2011
Showbury Youth Centre, Southend-on-Sea - 14th Jan 2011
Blackheath Nursery & Preparatory School, London. 11-week Spring term project 2011
Witchford Village College, Cambridgeshire - 15th Dec 2010
James Allen's Girls School, Dulwich, London - 10th Dec 2010
I saw and heard some of session that you took at JAGS
before Xmas – amazing!
Barbara Rexstrew, Community Development Manager
Drumming reaches another level with Taiko Meantime! Year 11 JAGS
girls were thrilled to work with a professional who is so clearly passionate
about Taiko drumming, and they absorbed his enthusiastic and highly professional
approach to the performance discipline, producing a confident and impressive
piece after 90 minutes of focused teaching. Thank you for the opportunity to
learn a new skill. It was so much fun!
Alison Venn, Communications, Marketing and PR Director
Frensham Heights School, Farnham - 16th Oct 2010
Derbyshire-Toyota City Schools Exchange 10th Anniversary Celebrations - 20th Sept 2010
Lady Manners School, Bakewell - 21st and 22nd July 2010
Priory School, Lewes - 16th July 2010
Kingsdale School, Southwark - 15th July 2010
George Green's School, Isle of Dogs - 13th July 2010
Haydon School, Eastcote - 12th July 2010
Many thanks for the excellent work you put in with
our pupils yesterday preparing them for the taiko
performance last night. Both you and they were brilliant and
I'm so happy that we are going from strength to strength
with them each year.
Kevin Sqibb
Henry Fox School, Witney, Oxfordshire - 8th July 2010
Fleckney Primary School, Leicestershire - 6th July 2010
Many thanks to you both again for last Tuesday.
What a wonderful Day. It was a fantastic experience for the children
and I know that they got so much out of it. Many thanks for all your hard work.
Alison Galpin
St Philomena's School, Carshalton - 1st July 2010
Thank you for an absolutely brilliant day!
The feedback from our students was excellent. They really
enjoyed the workshops. Equally the staff found the sessions
inspirational. It was amazing to see how much progress was
made over a 45 minute session and how engaged all the
students were throughout. Your colleague and yourself
created a sense of calm and discipline in which the students
thrived. They had to work as a team and stay completely
focused on those around them in order to achieve the best
results. After 45 minutes, they were producing real Taiko
drumming!
I'll definitely be in contact for next year's Multicultural
Day. Many thanks to your colleague.
Michele Mcormack
Kimono Oriental Conference, Brigshaw High School, nr Leeds - 25th June 2010
Nobel School, Stevenage - 23rd June 2010
Oakfield Prep School, Dulwich - 21st June 2010
Bentley Primary School, Hampshire - 18th June 2010
Barnsole Junior School, Gillingham - 15th June 2010
Mulgrave Primary School, Woolwich - June 14th 2010
We very much enjoyed the Taiko drumming. It was a fun and
inspiring experience. It gave us a taste of Japanese culture through this unique
musical experience. The children learnt very much in a short amount of time thanks
to the clearly modelled techniques and well structured guidance given by Mark. At
the end of the session they were able to perform an impressive piece of music as
a team in perfect beat harmony. Children were engaged and focused. Through this
experience pupils can develop skills not easily accessible through other educational
means. The taking part in group musical activities such as this is not an everyday
activity, therefore the experience and benefits are invaluable.
I would like to add that pupils at Mulgrave can sometimes be a challenge
to work with as they come from an area of high social deprivation, and many have
low self esteem and an unwillingness to try new activities due to the fear of failure. In
this sense the drumming workshop was brilliant for them as they were working as part of
a team to create the sounds and were all able to achieve something wonderful at the end.
So thank you once again, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Mulgrave in the future.
Mary Long
St Ivo School, Cambridgeshire - 7th June 2010
The feedback from teachers who watched the taiko performance was very positive.
They were very impressed with how well the students performed and thought that there was good teamwork
developed throughout the day. The fact that the whole year group watched a performance at the end of
the day was noted as a much better plan than previous years. Parents were also very positive
about the experience and I had about 4 parents contact me specifically to thank me for letting
their child get involved in the day. Thanks again for all the hard work you both put in throughout the day.
Darron Gray
Ashcroft Arts Centre, Fareham - Half Term workshops - 1st June 2010
Westend Centre, Aldershot - Easter holiday workshops - 14th April 2010
Dorking Halls, Dorking - Easter holiday workshops - 13th April 2010
Blackheath Nursery & Preparatory School, London. 11-week Spring term project 2010
Taiko enables every child to achieve an unimagined quality of performance.
Taiko appears effortless but involves formidable skills of focus and perseverance which then
ignite every other area of the curriculum. After ten sessions, the audience were left open-mouthed
at the final performance by the children.
Penny Thompson, Head Teacher, Blackheath Preparatory School, London
Dame Bradburys School, Saffron Walden, Essex - 19th March 2010
Very many thanks to you both for helping us celebrate Japan Day.
I know the Taiko Drumming was the highlight of the day - everyone just loved it.
It was great to start and end our day with such wonderful performances.
You were both brilliant with the children and we are very grateful that you were
prepared to work with larger numbers than usual enabling all pupils to have a turn.
Narin Chrimes, Music Teacher
Japan Day has offered all of the children and staff a valuable insight
into another country. We want the children to appreciate the huge variety of life in the
world around us, and this day has truly achieved that in a fun and inspiring way - it's been a great success.
I hope that now they have had a taste of Japan, they can find out more about it for themselves,
maybe visit the library or do some research. Perhaps one day they will have the chance to go
to Japan to see for themselves everything they have learned about today.
Jane Crouch, Headteacher
Dame Bradbury's School had a fantastic day...so thank you for doing such a great job!
Frank Warren, Matters Musical
Training for Lambeth Music Service concert, Southbank Centre, London - 15th March 2010
Newstead Wood School, Orpington - 11th March 2010
Wallington High School for Girls, Sutton - 9th and 10th March 2010
Thank you Mark. The students had a great couple of days and I know the
evening performances were a resounding success.
Nicky Owen, Music Teacher
Dartford Grammer School for Boys - 5th March 2010
Thank you so much for such a valuable day for our
students (and us!!) We had loads of fun.
Katy Cox, Japanese Teacher
Fleckney Primary School, Leicestershire - 2nd Mar 2010
Haslemere Youth Centre - 19th Feb 2010
Oku Nojo Daiko youth Taiko group training, Aldershot, Hampshire - 17th Feb 2010
Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen, Gwynedd, North Wales - 12th Feb 2010
Bexley Grammar School, Welling - 2nd Feb 2010
Hemingford Grey Primary, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire - 27th Jan 2010
Longsands College, St. Neots, Cambridgeshire - 25th and 26th Jan 2010
As a group with whom the College has been in partnership for the past
few years, students here gain huge benefits working with Taiko Meantime. They thoroughly
enjoy learning about the drums and experience cultural and team building benefits through
working with you.
Lisa Plowman, Head of Specialist and International Education
Witchford Village College, Witchford, Cambridgeshie - 16th Dec 2009
Westend Centre, Aldershot - 27th Oct 2009
St. Michael's Esh Laude R.C. Primary School, nr Durham - 21st Oct 2009
Aquinas College, Stockport - 20th Oct 2009
Thank you so much for coming today! You and Janette were fantastic
and the kids really enjoyed it. A couple stayed back to give me some feedback and
they all thought it was great.
Janet Fischer, Music Teacher
'Heatwave', Brook Theatre, Chatham for Medway Council - 28th Aug 2009
Priory School, Lewes - 17th July 2009
St Mary's School, Southam - 13th July 2009
Haydon School, Eastcote, Pinner - 8th July 2009
City of London Academy - 7th July 2009
Oriental Conference, Brigshaw High School - 2nd July 2009
Just a note to say thank you for running the Taiko workshops
at last Thursday's conference. Feedback so far has been excellent and it seems
that students, teachers and other guests certainly had their eyes opened to
East Asian language and culture. Thanks also to you and Nobuko for the amazing
finale performance, what an excellent end to the event!
Tracy Flanagan, Language College Administrator
The Kings School, Peterborough - 23rd June 2009
Thank you and your team for your work today amd your support
in making the day day go smoothly.
Sharon Gray, Head Teacher
Just a quick note to say thank you for all your hard work yesterday.
We really enjoyed the event, so thank you for coming.
Sharon Gray, Head Teacher
Pheonix Prmary School, Basildon - 27th May 2009
Westend Centre, Aldershot - 26th May 2009
Petersham festival - 17th April 2009
Haselmere Youth Club - 16th April 2009
Haselmere Youth Club - 14th May 2009
St Catherine's School, Bexley Heath - 11th May 2009
Thanks again for an excellent workshop – the girls (and staff) really enjoyed it.
Ian Bell
Eltham College - 12th March 2009
It was great to see you last week and the boys had a wonderful drumming experience.
I’ve even had parents come up to me in the playground to tell me how much their son enjoyed it
– all credit to you!
Jackie Galpin, Japanese Teacher
Once again a fabulous Taiko drumming workshop - Thank you! Our boys
got so much oput of it, and it was great to see and hear them coming together as a
team. I'm sure they'll be don-don-don...ing for days to come!
Jackie Galpin, Japanese Teacher
Bexley Grammar School, Bexley - 4th Feb 2009
Thank
you so much for your hard work last Wednesday. To be honest,
my arms only stopped aching yesterday! It was a wonderful
experience for all those involved. We all learnt so much and
what most students commented on was how clear your instructions
were. I believe that made it easier to progress as they knew
exactly what was expected of them. Not only did they have
a physically demanding day, but they experienced and took
part in a wonderful art form that doesn't have much recognition,
as yet, in this country. Thank you once again and I look forward
to working with you in the near future.
Alix Cox, Japanese Teacher
Longsands College, St. Neots, Cambridgeshire - 26th and 27th Jan 2009
Eton End School, Datchet - 22nd Jan 2009
Witchford Village school, Ely, Cambridgeshire - 18th Dec 2009
On behalf of the Year 9 students and staff at Witchford Village College,
I would like to extend a huge thank you to Taiko Meantime for your contribution to "Japan Day 2008".
Your impact on the students was very apparent. The students involved in the workshop had a
fantastic day and benefited greatly from your expert tuition. Performing in front of their
peers was a challenge and through teamwork and focus they managed to achieve success.
This really boosted their confidence and will enable them to tackle further challenges
in the future. Year 9 really enjoyed your interesting talk and vibrant performance and
when completing feedback forms at the end of the day, many of the students wished that
they too had enrolled in your workshop. A large number of students said that you were
the highlight of their day. Staff that were lucky enough to see you perform were extremely
impressed and have all asked if you will be coming back! I look forward to working with
you again in the near future.
Mr. J. Hill, Head of Geography and International Schools Coordinator
40 Degreez Youth Club, Farnham - 2nd Dec 2009
Kirklees Music Service, Kirklees - 3rd Sept 2009
Priory School, Lewes - 18th July 2008
St Catherine's Catholic School for girls, Bexley Heath - 16th July 2008
West Heath School, Sevenoaks - 9th July 2008
We are writing to thank you and Nao from Taiko Meantime very much for
your visit to our school. All students and staff were thrilled to have the opportunity
to take part in the taiko drumming workshops throughout the day.
It was a very successful opening to our Culture Day and both your specialist knowledge and great
rapport with the students brought the art of taiko drumming alive for them and they are still
discussing the event. We wanted the students to have the opportunity to experience different
aspects of the curriculum and your visit was both educational and effective in allowing the
students to have a new experience. It certainly allowed them to appreciate one aspect of
Japanese culture and by the time of their [performance to the school in the afternoon,
under your guidance, their show was outstanding.
We hope that you will have the opportunity to visit us again in the future at another event and
we will keep in touch.
Mr Nick Adkin, Headmaster and Festival Organiser, and Mrs Photini Bohacek, Festival Co-ordinator
Gravesend Grammar School - 7th and 8th July 2008
A huge thank you for all the help you gave us in assisting
with our Asian Festival. Having spoken to some of the pupil’s who took part,
it is encouraging to know that days like that, do make a substantial difference,
to not only their educational needs but provides them with life skills which
they may never have experienced. We have never organised such a large event
in school before, but it certainly won’t be our last, as long as we have
artists such as yourselves who are able to give their time and energy in
promoting their skills. Mark, we can’t thank you enough. Having watched
parts of your workshop throughout the event, it was very clear to see that
it didn’t appear to be just the pupils who were enjoying themselves, but
quite a few staff!! It looked totally exhausting but totally exhilarating
at the same time.
Sally Aston, Language Coordinator
St. Ivo School, St. Ives, Cambridgeshire - 6th June 2008
Thank you so much for the time and energy you have taken to come
to St Ivo School. We really appreciate your part in the Japan day.
Shelley Monk, Geography Dept
Woodfield Primary School, South Norwood, London - 2nd and 3rd April 2008
Greenwich Theatre - 25th March 2008
Eltham College Junior School, Eltham - 3rd March 2008
Thank you so much for spending the day with us as Eltham College
Junior School. The Taiko experience has really enriched our Japanese language and
culture course and the year 6 boys loved every minute. You enthusiasm was infectious;
the rhythms: hypnotic and it will certainly be something to remember for a long time.
Jackie Galpin, Japanese Teacher
James Allen's Girls School, Dulwich, London - 21st Feb 2008
Thank you very much for the great workshop. Every student is very
happy that now they know how to hit the Japanese drums, and teachers are pleased
we could give the wonderful opportunity to students. It seems everyone is still
excited about what we had yesterday.
Hiroshi Okura, Japanese Teacher
Edward Feild Primary School, Kidlington - 14th and 15th Feb 2008
Longsands College, St. Neots - 21st and 22nd Jan 2008
Many thanks for the workshops, the feedback has been fantastic.
Look forward to working with you again.
Lisa Plowman
Middle Barton School, Chipping Norton - 27th Nov 2007
Thanks...for giving the children such a memorable experience.
The day turned out even better than I'd hoped for, and I know I will have half
the school signing up for Drum Club in January! Today I counted at least 20
children walking around school almost unconsciously chanting "don don don don
do-DON do-don". Your work, in such a short time, with the children was highly
impressive and very much appreciated by all (not to mention the final performance
- outstanding!). I hope I can twist the Head's arm to get you in again in the future.
Graeme Travis
St Michael's Primary School, Sydenham - 13th and 14th Nov 2007
New Haw School Community Junior School, Addlestone - 5th Nov 2007
Just to say thanks again for the workshops and performances you held
for the children on Monday. They were still buzzing with excitement about it when I
left school on Friday and it opened the teachers' eyes to hidden rhythmical talent
that we need to tap into more!..We had a fantastic Japanese week and taiko kicked
it off really well.
Susie Wilcox
Whitgift School, Croydon - 6th Nov 2007
Farnham Autumn half term workshop 23rd and 24th Oct 2007
Farnham kids Summer workshops - 7th and 9th Aug 2007
Stoke Park School, Coventry - 11th Aug 2007
St Marys Primary School, Southam - 9th and 10th Aug 2007
Longsands College, St. Neots - 5th July 2007
Haydon School. Eastcote - 3rd July 2007
Hello Mark, I'm the teacher who fronted the International Evening.
I am writing to say how much I enjoyed the drumming, unquestionably the highlight
of the evening. I am always delighted when musical items so clearly appeal to and
involve boys, and it was wonderful what you managed to do with our students in so
short a time. Also, it's inevitable that standards will vary greatly during an
event like this, and it is important to finish the evening with something memorable
and of a very high quality. You more than achieved this, and the Japanese drumming
will stick in the mind of all who heard it forever. Many thanks, again!
Mr John Quillfeldt Deputy Headteacher
Thank you very for coming to teach taiko to our pupils. I was very
impressed by how much they learnt in such a short time and was so proud of what they
produced in the concert. It was clear to see how much the pupils enjoyed learning and
performing taiko and how much they learnt about teamwork and listening to each other.
Kevin Squibb, Teacher
Oriental Conference, Brigshaw High School 15th June 2007
I wanted to thank you for your input and efforts to provide a series
of interesting Taiko Workshops to students who gathered at Brigshaw High. My colleague
Shoko Iizuka and myself were very impressed when we observed your workshop.
Kornelia Achrafie, Japan Foundation
My son recently went to your workshop at Brigshaw and he had a
thoroughly enjoyable day.
Louise Ward
We’d like to thank you very much for making Friday’s Oriental Language
and Culture Conference at Brigshaw such a success. The feedback from staff and pupils
was extremely positive and we’re very grateful for everything you did to inspire our
students.
Tracy Hudson, Language College Administrator
It was a pleasure to watch you all. The students were very good, I'm just
sorry that I never got a go!
Lesley Matthews, Music Teacher
Roding Valley Performing Arts College, Loughton, Essex - 13th and 14th June 2007
You will be pleased to know that your drumming scored "high fives".
It was very popular with the pupils, and many who didn't get to do it were asking
about it for next time.
Steve Fletcher
St. Nicolas' C E Combined School, Taplow 7th June 2007
Dear Mark. Thank you for a really great day - the children
thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Linda Wisbey
Thanks Mark, It was a great day. The children had a fantastic time.
Craig Atkinson, Class teacher
Gordon Primary School, Woolwich, 2nd May 2007
(Children also present from: Invicta, St.Patrick’s, Alderwood, Wyborne, Fossdene,
Woodhill, Bannockburn, Eglinton, Henwick, St.Mary’s, St.Joseph’s, Heronsgate,
Meridian, Boxgrove, Montbelle, Alex McLeod schools)
Many thanks for introducing so many local youngsters (and teachers and parents)
to Taiko drumming through the concert arranged at Gordon Primary School today. We visited
from Invicta School expecting high noise levels, but there was also so much
involvement and fun. The children chose to ask some interesting questions and you
could tell that they were not at all keen that anyone should leave!
MJ Urbany, Teacher
St. Peter's Primary School, Woolwich
(Children also present from: Thorntree, Charlton Manor, St.Margaret Clitherow, St.Thomas A Becket,
South Rise, St.Mary Magdalene, Notre Dame, Cardwell, Foxfield, St.Margaret’s CE, Hawksmoor, James Wolfe schools)
Easter Holiday workshops for children, Farnham and Guildford, 3rd and 4th April 2007
It didn't take very long at all to see that [my children] were completely
taken in by what you were showing them and telling them. They reported back to me saying
what a "brill" time they had had and it was "simply amazing". The end of session performance
confirmed quite clearly that they had enjoyed every minute and now Declan has decided
he would like to play the drums!! Thanks for that!
Jackie Wagstaff, parent
Fantastic class. My son is still talking about it! Can't wait for
next time. I thought as a parent you encouraged the children to think, understand
and concentrate rather than just "bang a drum".
Tracy Elser - Nursery Nurse, Student and mother
Hi there! May I thank you so much, Mark, for providing an absolutely
inspiring and amazing taiko workshop on the 5th of April 2007 - it made taiko finally
come alive in every way for me!
Simon Knight - member of Oku Nojo Daiko, Oak Farm Community School, Farnborough
That's the best ten pounds I've ever spent!
Parent, after Guildford workshop
My grandsons really enjoyed your session during the Easter Holiday
and we will certainly attend another time. Thank you.
June Crisp
St. Ivo School, St Ives, Cambridgeshire 12th Jan 2007
Thank you so much for your energy and enthusiasm, the students commented
how much they liked you both and they wish they had many more interesting and entertaining
assemblies like that one. We do our best but it doesn't match up to yours!
Shelley Monk, Geography teacher
I was very fortunate to attend a recent workshop given by Mark and Ed,
after a spellbinding performance both myself and the students were keen to have a go
ourselves. The workshop was an excellent experience, there was a good pace and even
when we were not playing we had either our own techniques to perfect or looking at
the others and how they were performing. We were encouraged to examine what worked
well and what didn't and how we could improve our performance. Everyone had a great
time and I would love the opportunity to do another one.
Diane Coupland, Teacher
'Heatwave' summer workshops, organised by Medway Council, Chaltham, Kent 15th Aug 2006
Southwark Summer University, Southbank University, July and Aug 2006
Thomas Tallis School, Plumstead July 2006
The students are lucky to have had such great teachers and I'm sure they
valued the opportunity to learn about Taiko - I certainly did.
Jon Nichols, Teacher
City of London Festival - a two month project with students from Archbishop
Michael Ramsey Technology College, Southwark, culminating in a performance on the steps of St
Paul's Cathedral on 29th June 2006. More details: www.colf.org/
Many thanks for all yours and Nao's hard work with the students over
the past few weeks. I was most impressed.
Tim Smith, Music Teacher
St. Ivo School, St. Ives, Cambridgeshire June 2006
Greenslade Primary School, Plumstead June 2006
Lady Manners School, Bakewell, Derbyshire July 2006
Many thanks for a great workshop...The kids have been full of it!
I think its a great way to work at all levels of ability and give the kids something
to really get their teeth into!
Woodlands Primary and Featherby Junior Schools, Gillingham, Kent
for Medway Council 'Samurai Project' - Feb and March 2006
Thanks for all the work you've done on the project. Its really
come together and the children have clearly been inspired by their workshops with you.
The extra stuff you've co-ordinated as part of your music sessions - the songs,
drama and movement - just goes above and beyond what I was expecting at the start
of the project. Thanks so much.
Robyn Goldsmith, Project Co-ordinator
Haydon School, Eastcote - 12th July 2005
Oxford Brookes University - 6th May 2005
Bexleyheath School - 12th July 2004
Many thanks for your participation in the Arts Festival this year.
The students thoroughly enjoyed working with you and your input helped to make this
year's festival both the biggest and most successful in its 9-year history. I
hope you will be able to participate in future years.
Mr K Hammond, Assistant Head Teacher, Arts Festival Director, Bexleyheath School
Eltham Green School - 7th July 2004
Thank you so much for the drumming session last Wednesday, it was
definitely my personal favourite of the week... hope to work together again soon.
Emma Bayram, Music Teacher, Eltham Green School
Bridgewater High School, Warrington - 2nd July 2004
This is just a note to say thank you very much for the Taiko workshops held at the Japan Day
at Bridgewater High School. There were some hiccups in organisation at our end for which
I apologise, but you coped wonderfully. I know that all of the teachers were deeply moved
by the concentration and achievement of the children in their final performance and I think
I spotted at least 2 budding Taiko apprentices among the children - you may very well have
influenced their future paths. Thank you again.
