[ MAUKA MAKAI ]
GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARBULLETIN.COM
Matthew Moy and his daughter Malina were looking for something to do together and found Andrea Iwamoto's taiko class at Waiau Elementary School.
Family rhythms
Andrea Iwamoto’s taiko drum classes
bring parents and kids together to play
As a parent, Andrea Iwamoto, drum instructor for Ryusei Taiko, was saddened every time she heard about parents not having enough time to spend with the children and families who no longer sit down to dinner together.
She also saw too many parents dropping kids off at soccer or dance classes en route to their own extracurricular activities.
She thought it would be nice if parents and children could share the same pursuits, so she decided to do something about it.
At Ryusei Taiko, she now offers a special two-for-one deal to encourage family interaction.
"I like the idea of families doing something together," she said.
These days, her classes are full of parents with kids, or pairs of siblings.
Carolyn Kargol attends class with her 6-year-old son Drew. The pair have been taking drumming classes together for two years now.
"People are surprised to find out that we play together in the same class. In normal activities, you don't find parents participating," Kargol said. "She (Iwamoto) really encourages families to come together."
Her only lament: Drew may be the better drummer. "I'm older and my memory is much weaker," Kargol said. "Kids catch on much faster because their file drawers aren't so full."
Drew doesn't seem to have noticed. He's just excited to be spending quality time with his mom. While pounding away on his side of a giant drum, he enjoys watching his mom.
"I always like to smile at her," he said.
GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARBULLETIN.COM
Iwamoto readies PVC practice drums that students use at home.
CONFIRMING Kargol's observation, Iwamoto said children usually are the first to pick up taiko's rhythmic patterns and motions, adding that it seems to boost their self-esteem to know they can do something better and faster than their parents.
"I think it makes them feel good that they know something and can help their parents learn," she said.
Matthew Moy and his 11-year-old daughter Malina have been taking classes for about six years.
"We wanted something to do together ... and it was fun," Moy said.
The father-and-daughter team performs annually at a bon dance. Both agreed that the togetherness adds to the fun.
"She picked it up faster," Moy said, glad that his daughter is always willing to spend extra time to help him learn the moves.
Dawn Pang also attends classes weekly, with her 9-year-old daughter Zhanna and her 6-year-old son Rafe.
"I wanted to expose my children to music," said Pang, who also plays the doumbek, a Middle Eastern goblet drum. "My husband also plays music."
Zhanna McAtee, who remembers when her mom was a mere spectator, said, "It was more fun when my mom started coming to class. She helps me when I'm doing something wrong. She used to sit on the benches and watch us. She saw that it was fun and that we were becoming stronger, so she joined us."
GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARBULLETIN.COM
Carolyn Kargol watches son Drew work up a sweat.
AT FIRST, Pang tried to get out of performances, reminding the instructor that it is, after all, a child's class. It didn't work. In the end, Pang gave in.
"The performances let us work towards something. ... They give us goals," she said.
"After my mom came, the teacher came by me more often and helped me," said Rafe McAtee. "I tried harder, too."
Children behave better when their parents are there, Iwamoto explained.
"One way to connect with your kids is through common experiences. I think parents and children must feel something special in having a common interest."
Iwamoto noted that she has seen parents and kids grow closer over time. Conversations started in class carry over into the home.
"We don't necessarily practice outside of class, but we can talk about the patterns," Kargol said.
Even so, it is not all fun and games. The group agreed that the class can be rigorous.
"It's not only a learning experience, but a physical activity," Kargol said.
Pang agreed.
"It's not just about the rhythms. Once movements are added, it becomes more of a dance form," she said.
"It's really a workout," Moy added.
GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARBULLETIN.COM
Dawn Pang joined the class after she saw how much fun her children were having. Her daughter Zhanna McAtee, pounds away.
Another positive point: Everyone starts learning on the same level.
"Parents enjoy watching their children go through the learning process," said Iwamoto, whose 5-year-old daughter Aimee will join the keiki class this month. "I want to watch Aimee in her kindergarten class, but of course that is not possible. I kind of feel left out. At least with taiko, I would be able to watch her learn and grow."
"Aimee seems to have an interest in taiko. I think she wants to do what her mommy does. Maybe hearing taiko while she was still in my tummy has something to do with it."
Family classes
Ryusei taiko classes are conducted every Sunday at Waiau Elementary School as follows:>> Advanced class, 1 to 2 p.m.
>> Intermediate class, 2 to 3 p.m.
>> Ryusei-Elite class, 3 to 4 p.m.
>> Ryusei Class, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
>> Keiki Beginners, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
The cost is $30 per month. Call 221-7448 or e-mail ryuseitaiko@iwamotollc.com for more information.
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