About Us

Arizona's Premier Taiko Dojo

Fushicho Daiko is Arizona's premier and longest running professional performing Taiko group. Through performances, workshops, residencies, and regularly scheduled classes, Taiko is alive and well in the Southwest.

We pride ourselves on inclusion and diversity; our mission is to share the passionate energy and unique harmony of Taiko drumming to all who wish to be inspired by this dynamic and powerful art form.

Fushicho Daiko and its members are Arizona Commission on the Arts roster artists.

Taiko is the Japanese word for “great drum”

This ancient musical art form originated centuries ago in Asia. The resounding beat of the massive drums, ranging from one foot to six feet in diameter, could be heard over great distances and historically was used as a means of communication.

Taiko could be used to signal distant villages, such as to warn of the approach of an advancing enemy or an impending disaster; or to signal troops on the battlefield. In shrines and temples throughout present-day Japan, Taiko can still be heard, although today its purpose is more spiritual and celebratory, often occasioned by village festivals. Only in the last 60 years in Japan and the last approximately 45 years in North America has Taiko evolved into a powerful performing art.

Eileen Morgan is the acting Executive and Artistic Director of Fushicho Daiko. In her over 40 years as a musician, Eileen has performed in Taiko ensembles in Arizona and Japan with as many as 80 musicians at one time.

Eileen continually strives to expand her knowledge and understanding of music and to share its significance and importance in creating understanding and acceptance among the many people and cultures of the world.

Fushicho Daiko strives to share the art form of Japanese Taiko drumming with the people of Phoenix, Arizona, the US Southwest, and the world. The concepts of teamwork, cooperation, community, cultural awareness and acceptance, and musical and artistic excellence are developed through education and performance opportunities.

The Communities Served

The individual learner - for self-growth and self-fulfillment
The Fushicho Daiko Dojo community - for the creation, maintenance, and growth of a group of individuals linked by common desires and goals. This includes public sharing and presentation of processes and products developed within the dojo community.
The Phoenix/Arizona/US/Japan Arts community - for collaboration with other artists; exchange of ideas, beliefs, creative processes, and results. There is the development of unique and original works of art that are then shared within the greater community.
Phoenix community - for ongoing performances and presentations for entertainment, education, inclusion, and recruitment.
Outlying communities - for a unique experience for lesser-served communities and populations that benefit from exposure to the concepts presented by Fushicho Daiko.
Japan - for cultural exchange and goodwill ambassadors provided to the people of Japan. Individuals and groups from Japan provide programs and experiences for US and Arizonan citizens alike.
Schools & Education - for educational and/or performance programs that enrich and support the schools’ educational standards.

Fushicho Daiko playing AATT set at Phoenix Matsuri

Fushicho Daiko Dojo Focuses on Three Taiko Ideologies

Passion

Taiko is finding a new love for music, for unlocking a part of your heart and soul you previously didn't know existed. Taiko is wrapping yourself up in the beat of the drum, of needing to feel the bachi in the grip of your palm. Taiko is yearning to know every song and to play them faithfully to honor their rich history. Taiko is the smile that spreads across your lips every time you hear 'don doko don'.

Focus

Taiko is being able to forget everything else in your life and focusing only on the music. Taiko is feeling the beads of sweat dribble down your forehead as you practice a rhythm over and over again. Taiko is that feeling of success when you nail a difficult piece. Taiko is the reward of embracing a challenge and overcoming it with pride.

Community

Taiko is the laughter of your teammates as you dance around the drums. Taiko is reaching into the past to perform something in the here and now. Taiko is transcending across culture and time and gaining a new sense of appreciation. Taiko is the enrichment of the world by the new friendships that are formed. Taiko is the breaker of barriers between age, race, gender, and abilities.