WHO/WHAT: One of the premier high school taiko programs in the nation will be celebrated at Pacific Buddhist Academy’s annual Taiko Festival. The festival’s theme is “A Generation of Hope,” to convey the passing down of one’s skills and knowledge to the next generation of PBA students, who are the featured performers. Special guest appearances at this year’s festival will be made by Kyoko Sano, Craig Shimizu, Sheree Tamura, Tevita Apina, and 2014 KZOO Radio Contest Grand Champion Aolani Silva.
WHEN/WHERE: Sunday, April 12, at 4 p.m. at Leeward Community College.
COST: Tickets for the festival are $25, and $18 for students and seniors. They may be purchased by calling (808) 532-2659 or in person at PBA’s main office at 1727 Pali Hwy. Festival sponsorship opportunities for this student showcase are also available.
BACKGROUND: Taiko is an integral part of the curriculum at Pacific Buddhist Academy, the only high school in the United States with a Peace Curriculum based on Buddhist teachings. Considered a reflective art, taiko is a requirement for freshmen who may choose to continue its study through their senior year.
“Taiko builds for our students the foundation for a full integration of their mental, physical, and spiritual dimensions. They develop teamwork, concentration, and discipline,” said Sensei Jay Toyofuku, who has taught Taiko since Pacific Buddhist Academy’s founding in 2003.
