Meet the team
The project
Taiko South West was launched in 2021. Previously under the umbrella of Kagemusha Taiko, (more information here), were taiko activities at the Taiko Centre at Seale Hayne, external workshops and the main performing group, Tano Taiko, but these now fall under the responsibility of the community interest company “Taiko South West.”
Taiko South West provides: a range of public courses and workshops at the Taiko Centre, develops the company’s adult performing group, Tano Taiko, and provides taiko experiences for schools and other organisations, wherever in the south-west they might be needed.
The Taiko Centre at Seale Hayne
With 100m2 of studio space and equipped with a huge number of taiko drums ranging from small to very large, the Taiko Centre is a great place to come and play.
It’s located at the top of the campus, looking out onto the hillside, and with sweeping views across the valley towards Teignmouth and the sea.
Lucy Thomas
Lucy discovered taiko 14 years ago and before long was hooked. After 2 years of classes, and joining Tano Taiko, Lucy joined Kagemusha Taiko as staff (admin) whilst still playing taiko as much as possible. In 2014 Lucy took the leap and began teaching. Contributing to Lucy’s development she has participated in workshops all over the world including North American Taiko Conferences, European events, and in September 2018 was chosen to participate in a ‘Roots of Kodo’ intensive in Japan. Lucy teaches a range of classes, from complete beginners to intense skills & drills for those looking to challenge themselves. Lucy is the Operations Manager for Taiko South West and oversees everything that happens at the Taiko Centre as well as all of the company’s external commitments.Â
Jan Howe
Jan’s taiko adventure started in an evening class with Jonathan, in Exeter, more than 20 years ago. She was instantly hooked by the rhythms and shared energy of playing alongside other people. Over the years she has assisted in projects in schools and in the organisation of the UK Taiko Festival, which together with being an active member of Tano Taiko performing group and seeing the audience responses at community events, led her to want to share her enthusiasm through teaching. She particularly enjoys working with adult beginners – focussing on fun and fundamentals. “It’s never too late to start. Be bold!”. Jan is also one of Taiko South West’s Directors.
Taiko South West CIC Directors
As a Community Interest Company, Taiko South West has an amazing team of voluntary Directors who have been working hard to support the work that Taiko South West does since the company formed in 2021.
Paul, like most started off recreationally, but then soon became a member of Tano Taiko in 2015 and been an integral part of Tano, and the work the company does, since then. Paul was initially a director of Kagemusha Taiko before Taiko South West was created.
Ian has played taiko for more than 20 years. He has been a member of Tano Taiko since the group’s launch in 2005 and a familiar face to audiences ever since then. Besides being a Tano Taiko stalwart, Ian has contributed to broader taiko projects in many ways.Â
Joyce’s introduction to taiko was through her school group but then discovered she enjoyed it as much as the students and after various classes and courses, joined Tano Taiko in 2017. Joyce assists with a lot of Taiko South West’s workshops as well as teaching occasionally. Joyce was also a Director of Kagemusha Taiko before Taiko South West was created.
Jan’s biography is further up the page. Jan was also a Director of Kagemusha Taiko before Taiko South West was created.
Jonathan Kirby
Jonathan has been a full-time taiko professional for more than 25 years, with experience of performing and teaching in Europe, USA and Japan. A qualified teacher, his books and videos on teaching and learning taiko have sold worldwide. More information about Jonathan can be found here.
