Soh Daiko - Recruitment

Soh Daiko normally holds a recruitment each year in the fall to find potential new members for the performing group. Recruitment dates for 2007 were October 20th and 25th. The next recruitment will be no earlier than Fall 2009. (Exact dates and details to be posted closer to the time of the workshop.)

Space is limited so reservations will be required. Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously applied for membership.

To receive occasional e-mail messages about Soh Daiko performances and other taiko-related news, and to be notified of the next recruitment workshop, just send a blank e-mail message to: SDnews-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Recruitment Process

The process begins with a two-day public workshop that introduces the basics of drumming. No experience is required but participants must be physically fit and able to attend both sessions. Some of the workshop participants may be invited back to become Trainees.

Trainee Period

Trainees enter into a three-month program to begin physical conditioning and to learn the basics of taiko drumming. Soh Daiko rehearses Thursday evenings from 7-9:30pm and Saturdays from 2-6pm. There is an additional trainee practice on Saturdays from 6-7pm. Attendance at all Group rehearsals and trainee practices is required. Latenesses and absences are closely monitored. Individual practice and strength training is also strongly recommended as time in the dojo is limited.

At the culmination of the training period Trainees demonstrate to the Group their ability to play the various selections they have been taught. Some by unanimous group vote may become Probationary Members for a second three-month period.

Probationary Membership

Probationary Members are considered Group Members in every way except that they do not vote on Membership. They are expected to attend Group meetings as well as practices and to take on various administrative responsibilities as assigned. At the end of the three-month probationary period, Probationary Members may become full members of the Group only by unanimous group vote.

Full Membership

Members of the Group are expected to attend rehearsals and performances, to support the Mission Statement of the Charter and take on responsibilities as listed in the ByLaws.

Soh Daiko’s programs are funded in part with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a public agency.