New Mexico Taiko
Japanese Drumming Group
About New Mexico Taiko
Japanese Drumming Group
The group New Mexico Taiko was originally founded in 1981 through the New Mexico Japanese American Citizens League. At the time the group took part in the annual Omatsuri festival held in Albuquerque. Omatsuri was a time for ethnic Japanese and Japanese-Americans of New Mexico to celebrate their heritage and share it with the greater community. The group was not active from 1985-1995, when a renewed interest brought back seasoned and new members to perform at the American/Japanese Week '95 held in Albuquerque.
Since then New Mexico Taiko has continued to grow and share the art of taiko. Through the years members have come and gone but the spirit of taiko has never diminished. The group members wear traditional kimono-style attire in performance, and each brings their unique personality to the constantly evolving style of New Mexico Taiko.
Today the group New Mexico Taiko performs as a way to share this unique and inspiring art form.
New Mexico Taiko now has two options for drummers, Community Group and Performing Group. Community group is for those that just want to drum and not go through the rigors of being prepared for a performance. The Performing group requires a informal audition and is for the serious taiko player.
Meet Our Members
Calvin Kobayashi
Calvin Kobayashi is the only remaining founding member of NM Taiko. He has trained with professional groups such as Denver Taiko, San Jose Taiko, Sawagi Taiko, Kenny Endo and others when they have come to New Mexico for workshops. He has also made several of the group’s drums and has trained other members to do this as well. Also for a short period of time he dabbled in martial arts. He has lived in New Mexico for many years and has strong ties to the Japanese American community. Currently Mr. Kobayashi is the New Mexico Japanese American Citizen League president.
Anita Gallegos
Ms. Anita Lee Gallegos is our Program Coordinator. Ms. Gallegos has been with NM Taiko since 1997. In addition to her regular taiko training, she has attended workshops with San Jose Taiko, Sawagi, Koji Nakamura, Steven Tokunaga, and Kenny Endo. She plays a variety of drums. Ms. Gallegos has trained in martial arts for over 20 years. With her martial arts background she is able to assist the group with stances, movement, presentation, and coordination of the performances. She has also designed and created uniforms for our group. Ms. Gallegos was the Cultural VP for the New Mexico Japanese American Citizen League for 3 years and is the Aki Matsuri Program Coordinator.
Angie Tomlinson
Ms. Angie Tomlinson has been with NM Taiko for over 5 years. In addition to her regular taiko training, she has attended workshops with San Jose Taiko, Koji Nakamura, Steven Tokunaga, and Kenny Endo. Ms. Tomlinson is also a member of the Chinese Cultural Center’s drum team and has studied Tai Chi for over 15 years. She has also sewn uniforms and equipment bags for the group. Ms. Tomlinson is also member of the New Mexico Japanese American Citizen League.
Crystal Kralian
Ms. Crystal Kralian has been with NM Taiko for 2 years. Ms. Kralian is a University student as well as a Karate student. In addition to her regular taiko training, she has attended workshops with Koji Nakamura, Steven Tokunaga, and Kenny Endo. Ms. Kralian plays a variety of drums as well as being one of our Conch players. She is one of our strongest players. Ms. Kralian is also member of the New Mexico Japanese American Citizen League.
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