What we’re about
These rhythm sessions are held in different places in & around the Shenandoah Valley. They are open to all who play *or want to learn to play* hand drums and ethnic percussion. Our event hosts include Jona Masiya, Jennifer Hudson, Kurt Griffith, Tracy Seffers, and others. Each event has a unique mix of instruments that may include conga, djembe, djuns, tubano, doumbek, frame drums, marimba, mbira, shakers, sticks and bells. Some instruments will be provided, but you can bring any that you'd like to add to the mix. You will learn to play African, Afro-Cuban, and Middle Eastern rhythms, and will have room to improvise and use your creativity.
You can also follow us on Facebook at Shenandoah Rhythm Jams!
Upcoming events
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INTRODUCTION TO TAIKO "BOOM" CAMP - JAPANESE TAIKO DRUMMING
Morgan Arts Council's Ice House, 138 Independence St, Berkeley Springs, WV, USLEARN TAIKO!
THE HEARTBEAT DRUMS OF JAPAN
INTRODUCTION TO TAIKO “BOOM” CAMP
Two-Days of Japanese Taiko Drumming Open Workshops
Saturday, January 24, 1:00-4:00 PM
Sunday, January 25, 1:00-4:00 PM
at The Ice House, Community Room, 2nd Floor
138 Independence Street, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411
~ Free Open Workshop - Donation Requested ~
Come try out a Taiko BOOM Camp! Big Beats! Big Drums! Shouting in Japanese! An opportunity to experience the amazing, and thunderously powerful Heartbeat Drums of Japan with SMT facilitator Kurt Griffith and members of Berkeley Spring’s own Shangö Mountain Taiko. Taiko literally means “Big Drum,” but also refers to kumidaiko, the ensemble group drumming spreading and growing in popularity in America since the 1970s.
We are offering this Workshop over two sessions, to provide more opportunities to experience Taiko, and cover more material, and we’ll be less rushed. It's more BOOM for your Camp! Please Feel free to attend either, or both sessions. Both sessions will cover the basics of Taiko! Study materials will be provided.
Day One – Taiko Basics, Tamiko's Drill Beginner Song
Day Two – Basics Review, Festival Song Masturi Daiko
On both days we will be introducing the fundamentals of playing Taiko, the basics of the “Say it-Play it” Kuchishoga mnemonic system for learning rhythm patterns. On each of the two days we’ll introduce a different basic and classic taiko song. Our beginner piece, Tamiko's Drill on Day One. Day two, we’ll explore the beloved festival song, Matsuri Daiko. there will also be some fun things and surprises - some traditional, and some not-so-traditional Taiko stuff.
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for stretching and movement. A Water bottle, comfy shoes, and towel are recommended.
We are accepting new trainees! We’re always looking for people interested in learning Taiko and possibly joining the Shangö Mountain Taiko team – no experience required!!! – just enthusiasm and willingness to practice and study – and sweat a little! You can see our Training Session & Event Schedule here.
### It’s the best workout you’ll ever love.
For more information: Contact Kurt Griffith @
845 623-0940 | info@shangopercussion.org
Find out more here:
www.shangotaiko.org/taiko_workshop_jan2026.html
New Player Orientation
If you want well... more, or had to miss the workshops, we have designated a follow-up New Player Orientation Session, on Tuesday, January 27th – featuring more in-depth work on Taiko basics and on how to LEARN Taiko. It will specifically focus on people who are interested in checking us out and possibly joining the team. It is not required to attend the Workshop to come to this Session - though it will certainly help. However, you MUST RSVP to attend.1 attendee
New Taiko Player Orientation
Black Cat Music Shop, 155 Independence St, Berkeley Springs, WV, USNEW PLAYER ORIENTATION
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 6:30-8:30
Black Cat Music Cooperative
155 Independence Street, Corner of Independence & Mercer
Berkeley Springs, WV 25411
The upcoming workshops on Saturday & Sunday, January 24-25th will pretty blatantly focus on recruiting. But we’re still absolutely going to make it loud and thumpy fun!
If you want... well... more, or had to miss the workshops, we are also planning a potential Trainee Orientation Session, on Tuesday January 27th – more in-depth work on Taiko basics, and on how to LEARN Taiko. It will specifically focus on people who are interested in checking us out and possibly joining the SMT team.
It is NOT REQUIRED to attend the Workshop to come to this Session. However, YOU MUST RSVP to attend. This session will only run if there are people coming! Shout out! SO RE!
Full Training and Event Calendar Here:
https://shangotaiko.org/calendar.html1 attendee
Past events
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