06 January 2010

IPC Kodama Taiko Drum Team's End of Year 2009 South Island Tour Report

By Emiko Okumura, Jessica Gibbs and Yuka Katae. Edited by Moira Blake.

In action: IPC Kodama Taiko Drum Team in Queenstown

IPC drum team performance in Oamaru

The performances of IPC drum team in Christchurch's Cathedral Square

On the 4th of December, we, the IPC Kodama Taiko Drum Team, embarked on our tour of the South Island. During this tour, we were going to play in Nelson, Christchurch, Timaru, Oamaru, Dunedin, Queenstown, Tekapo and Hanmer Springs. In our tour group, there were 7 drum team members and 2 drivers. The members were a mix of students from Japan and New Zealand. Because of the two different cultures in our group, we were able to learn from each other, especially when we were cooking. Moreover, five of the Japanese members were graduating at the end of the year so it was a great experience to learn from them and to have such an enjoyable time together.

Aside from enjoyable, this trip was also tough. For example, we left backpackers early to drive to the next town's performance and it usually took more than 4 hours. Then after performances, we had to go shopping for our meals. We had to decide what to have and then cook our dinner and prepare lunch for the next day, too. When, after many arguments, we were finally able to finish cooking, there was only enough time left for sleeping. Travelling for the Japanese students meant sleeping time, but for the Kiwis watching the scenery. Therefore, when we stopped in towns, the Japanese team members were half asleep and grumpy.

Our most memorable performances were outside the Cathedral in Christchurch and performing for Calton Hill primary School in Dunedin. We performed twice in front of the Cathedral. There were a lot of people there from all over the world, including Japanese tourists. The students at the school were the best audience we've ever had. They were excited and full of energy. They played their own Samoan drums for us and it moved us deeply.

Overall, the tour made us work better together, made us closer friends and was great fun.

<Back  |  ^Top