Fushu Daiko: Performing Members, Taiko Drummers, Taiko Drum Team, Taiko Dojo, Japanese Taiko Drummers

Taiko Drummers

	Senpai Kendall Covin Our Senior Drummer and Senpai, Kendall has been and still is a source of strength and spirit. Since the beginning of Fushu Daiko he provided younger players with the power and inspiration that is at the root of strength. His performance is truely energetic and full of personality a master of the bells and canon. He has trained with Sensei Hongo, Sensei Ishikura, and Grandmaster Tanaka. It is an honor to have Kendall in the dojo and on the stage with Fushu Daiko.
	Hideki Matsuda Hideki Matsuda was born in Hokkaido, Japan. In addition to Taiko drumming he is also a skilled athlete, excelling in soccer & skiing. Prior to coming to U.S., he was in Japanese Army, where his strong marksmanship abilities earned him a first place award. Hideki has been been trained by Sensei Hongo, Sensei Ishikura, and Grandmaster Tanaka. He has been drumming with Fushu Daiko for more than 14 years.
	Ben Miller Artistic Director Ben has been dedicated to Fushu Daiko since 1998. Along with his apprenticeship under Senseis Charles and Yoshiko Cane with Fushu Daiko, he is honored to have studied and performed widely with Sensei Ishikura of Matsuriza Taiko Drumming. He has also received training from Shihan Hiro Takeshima, and Grandmaster Sensei Seiichi Tanaka. He has originally composed much of Fushu Daiko's repertoire. Ben is a licensed Acupuncture Physician and Chinese Herbologist (A.P., M.Ac). He maintains a practice in Deerfield Beach, FL. 954.784.6463
	Greg Williams Greg was born in Grand Prierrie, Texas. Since 1998 he has been with the group. Greg is now a backbone of our strength and stamina. His physicality and imposing presence on stage are not easily missed. He has also trained and performed on stage with Sensei Ishikura and Matsuriza taiko drumming and has been trained Grandmaster Seiichi Tanaka. He is a highly spirited performer and leader who sets an example of humility and perseverance in the dojo.
	Jeff Hollen Born in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Jeff has been a student of drums since the age of 10, playing in concert, orchestra, jazz, and marching bands. After graduation he spent a tour with the Florida Wave Drum and Bugle Corps before joining Fushu Daiko more than 8 years ago. He has had training with Grandmanster Tanaka. He is currently a PTA and further studies to become an athletic trainer.
	Naomi Morishita Born in Okinawa, Japan, Naomi is our most experienced female drummer. Her strength and grace have enriched this team steadily for years. She has had training with Grandmaster Tanaka. She is 1st Kyu in Kendo (Iaido Shodan) and 2nd Kyu in Japanese Calligraphy.
	Yoshichica Yokoyama Born in Sapporo, Japan. Yochi is fast and fluid. His taiko style is very exciting and always improving. His knowlege and skill of taiko challenges each player to raise their level. He has trained with Sensei Ishikura and Grandmaster Tanaka. Yochi has practiced many different outdoor sports as he was growing up, and is a skilled snowboarder. His early Karate studies can be observed in the form and fluidity of his taiko drumming style.
	Maria Torres Born in Bogota, Colombia, Maria moved to Florida in 1992, and has been a member of Fushu Daiko since 2003. She has received training from Grandmaster Tanaka. Along with taiko drumming, she is also learned in tribal music, djembe drums and the Australian didgeridoo, playing at tribal music events throughout Florida. Maria's also licensed massage therapist.
	Orion Phillips Our youngest performer, born in Miami in January 1993, Orion goes to Ransom Everglades School in Coconut Grove. He has been a member of Fushu Daiko since 2002. He has received training from Grandmaster Tanaka. Taiko Drumming is his passion; he also plays percussion in his school band. His other interests include basketball, swimming, sailing, archery and aikido.
	Maiko Kusano Born in Tokyo, Maiko is a student of Forensic Chemistry at FIU. You will notice her bright smile and sharp eyes while she performs. Her mind absorbs rhythms quickly and her body has taiko in the blood. She is a talented taiko drummer and friend of Fushu Daiko.
	Amy Minshew Amy is a long-time friend and supporter of Fushu Daiko who has at last joined our ranks. She brings an aggresive feminine style to our taiko. By day she is a Yoga instructor. Her determined warrior spirit and commitment in the dojo moves her on the path towards taiko mastery.
	Yukako Beatty Yukako was born and raised in Chiba, Japan. She practices shinobue and taiko with a dedicated spirit. Her involvement is always committed and focused. During her school years she studied Naginata (a Japanese martial art) and was a competitive swimmer. After traveling the world as an airline flight attendant, and then as crew on a billionaire’s mega yacht, she settled in Florida. She is now the owner of a worldwide yacht charter and brokerage business.
	Apprentice
	Jennifer Hoffman

*Senior Fushu Daiko Member* *Koto Sensei*
	Yoshiko Tokuda Carlton Department of Cultural Preservation Asain Festival Coordinator Yoshiko is the groups' senior performing member, performing since Fushu Daiko's inception. She is a mentor and guides us in the ways of Japanese culture. Born in Kagoshima, Japan, She has studied koto under the "Ikuta" style school and also extensively under several renown teachers. During the last six years, she has been very active in educating and introducing Koto music to the West. Koto is a Japanese harp. www.yoshikocarlton.com
Management / Bookings
	Fernando Moraes Private/Corporate Event Coordinator Fernando Moraes was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He started music studies at 14 years old and graduated from Berklee College of Music in 1982. He has been a performing taiko drummer of Fushu Daiko since 1997, has had training from Hongo Sensei and Grandmanster Tanaka, and is currently also our Business Manager along with his production company Sincronia USA, Inc which has produced all the Fushu Daiko albums. He has worked as a percussionist with major artists such as Mariah Carey and Shakira.
*Shakuhachi*
	Jorge Alfano Born in Argentina, Jorge has been a musician since the age of 13. He is a very versatile performer and composer. Fushu Daiko is very honored to have Jorge perform on the shakuhachi and other wind instruments during their events. Check out: www.jorgealfano.com
Martial Arts Theater
	Martin Rivera Martin has many years of Karate Do and theatrical training. His performance adds diverse exciting and theatrical aspects. He has introduced Oda Nobunaga (Samurai Armor), Ninja Armor, Shi Shi Mai, and other traditional Japanese characters to Fushu Daiko's show. He is a very talented and dedicated craftsman who is constantly creating something new.