Record of Events & Performances [as at July 2009]

The Kampong Chai Chee Community Centre Management Committee set up the Kampong Chai Chee CC Daiko, the Japanese Drum (Taiko) group, in December 1997.  It was the first of its kind to be set up at a community centre in Singapore.

Over the years, the group has done close to 100 performances both locally and overseas.  These included major national events such as the National Day Parade 2000 – Carnival At The Bay, Chingay Parade in the year 2001 & 2003, Singapore Arts Festival 1998 & 1999.  They drew overwhelming applause during their overseas performances at Club Med Cherating in Kuantan, Malaysia in 2001 and another performance in Yokohama, Japan in the year 2003.  Most recently in February 2009, the team was invited to perform in Kanazawa and Wajima of Ishikawa Prefecture, at a Symposium – “Features of the Future” hosted by Kanazawa University.  Besides drumming, the highlight of their performance was a fusion of singing and ethnic dancing to our local folk song “Rasa Sayang and Chan Mali Chan“.  With props of “Bunga Mangga” and rich ethnic costumes, it was a great attraction and enjoyment to the audience of both cities.

These passionate amateur drummers have also been trained in Japan under sensei Hatsumi Ishikura of Kantou Abaredaiko in 2003 and at their recent performance trip to Japan in February 2009.  Exchange programs were held with overseas daiko groups and friends from Nihonkai Taiko of Kashiwazaki City and Kamikata Taikoren – Japan, Mr. John Ko of Soh Daiko from USA and Mr. Mark Alcock of Greenwich Meantime Taiko, UK.

In March 2007, the drummers embarked on a trip to Japan to train intensively under Mr. Hiroyuki Hayashida, a well known Okedo instructor and taiko player with the group “Zi-Pang”.  A brief training was held with Japanese Folk Entertainment Performance Company, Araumaza Taiko, which widens the drummers’ experience of playing drums with the accompaniment of flute, percussions and singing.  The drummers also had a rare opportunity to attend a Miyake workshop conducted by Mr. Akio Tsumura, who taught the original form of Miyake to the world renowned taiko group, KODO.

Outreach programs were introduced regularly at community events, schools and corporate functions.  The first children’s taiko group in Singapore’s primary schools was initiated by team leader and coordinator, Ms. Sue Kwek BBM, who voluntarily helped to start and train students of East Coast Primary School in the year 2003.  Each year, a small group of Kampong Chai Chee PCF Kindergarten children, as young as 6 years old, gets to play and enjoy taiko.  These children brings cheers and joy on stage performing at their graduation concert ceremony.

Kampong Chai Chee CC Daiko aims to promote traditional and contemporary styles of Japanese drumming.  These passionate drummers also seeks to explore new musical dimensions such as incorporating other culturally unique musical forms, composing, creating their own music, sing and even dance to the beats of TAIKO.  Team effort, passion, discipline and intensive practices, drive the the group to attain recognition and commendations in their performances at numerous events.

Japanese drumming is a challenging physical exercise for all age groups.  Drummers are trained to swing their arms high and wide with stylized coordination of legs and body movements.  This form of drumming produces thunderous beats and rhythms which can be enjoyed acorss diverse cultures.

Come and enjoy the vibrancy of  TAIKO!!  Discover how you can keep yourself physically and mentally active; and de-stress the fun way.

Training classes for senior drummers are held on every Wednesday (except public holidays) from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Kampong Chai Chee Community Centre.  Sign up as a PAssion Card member now and enjoy six (6) months training at just a nominal fee of $60 ($70 for non-member).  A free trial lesson is available on the first Wednesday of each month.  For more information and reservation of trial lesson, please call the CC at 6214-9878 or email us at daiko@ekampong.com.sg

 KAMPONG CHAI CHEE COMMUNITY CENTRE DAIKO

Kampong Chai Chee Community Centre, 200 Bedok North Avenue 1, Singapore 469752   Tel: 6241-9878    Fax: 6448-5241  (nearest station: Bedok MRT station)

Website:   www.ekampong.com.sg

Beginners Class starts on 4th May 2009

Trainings on every Monday from 8.00 pm to 9.30 pm (except 5th Mondays and public holidays).

Fees for 6 months – $60 for PAssion Card member      $70 for non-member

Enrolment restricted to a small group  for effective training.  Hurry, enrol now!!