Like the pulse or a heartbeat, the Wadaiko drumming beats, beats, beats. It's about energy. It's about rhythm. It's about feeling, not just hearing. It's an experience, not a show. It's about celebrating life. It's the Yamato drummers of Japan.
The group will be performing at 7:30 tonight in John R. Emens Auditorium. The Yamato drummers are an international phenomenon, giving about 200 performances a year throughout the world. Wadaiko drumming is the center of it all. Some of the drums that will be used during the performance are up to 400 years old.
This is not the first time the Yamato drummers have been to Ball State University. In 2005, the group performed at Emens and there was a positive response from all.
"These types of performances appeal to a large variety of patrons," Darcy Wood, associate director at Emens, said.
Wood also said that the show is such a high-energy show that attendees really have no choice but to like it. And this called for a return visit.
"It is one of the few events that I found worthy of a return engagement," Bob Myers, director at Emens, said.
Emphasis for the show is not placed on the performance or performers but on the experience of the audience. That is the goal of the Yamato drummers and the point Myers wishes to get across.
"It is a joy for me to have the opportunity to introduce our campus community to both traditional and new artistic experiences," Myers said.
The group drums and dances during the performances, but that is not what it's all about, Wood said.
"It's not so much about dance or drumming, but a combination of the two to convey a deeper soulful experience," Wood said.
The performance does serve as entertainment for both Ball State students and Muncie residents, but Myers hopes that all attendees view it as more than that. He is confident that people will find the experience to be a worthwhile one.
"This event is both highly entertaining as well as culturally significant," Myers said.
The group is always moving from one city to another, from one country to another.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
