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Taiko
Drummers
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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.
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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.
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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
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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. |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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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.
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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. |
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Apprentice
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Jennifer
Hoffman
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Senior
Fushu Daiko Member
Koto
Sensei
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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
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Management
/ Bookings
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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.
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Shakuhachi
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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
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Martial
Arts Theater
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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. |
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