If you are having difficulty viewing this message, you can view the graphics version online at http://www.etaiko.org/news.htm.   Newsletter - January 2010   Kids' classes January 9 through March 27 We are delighted to announce a series of classes for kids 8 to 12 years old! Echo Costanzo (pictured) will be the instructor. Guest assistant will be Noah Aguilar.   Classes will be held every Saturday from 10am to 10:50am. Students will learn basic rhythms, forms, principles and a song to perform.   New students will be accepted on February 6 and March 6. New students must attend a registration and orientation session at 9:45 am before their first class. Each class is $10 plus a one-time $5 registration fee (cash or check only, no debit or credit cards). Multi-class discount cards (5/$45 and 10/$80) are available. Please email (info@etaiko.org) to reserve a space.   New classes starting February 4 and 6 Classes for beginners are held every Thursday from 7pm to 9pm and Saturday from 2pm to 4pm. We accept new students on the first Thursday and Saturday of each month. Please check the schedule below and go to the Classes page on our web site for complete and updated information.   New students are required to attend an orientation a half an hour before the first class. The class is $15 plus a one-time $5 registration fee (cash or check only, includes Member Handbook). Please email to let us know you're coming before attending your first class, and have a look at the new Frequently Asked Questions page on our web site.   Next free lecture and hands-on demonstration: January 29 Taiko: What is it? Come find out at our free lecture and participatory demonstration on Friday, January 29 at 7pm. Please RSVP by email to info@etaiko.org. If you've ever wanted to know what it feels like to play the big drums, this is your chance!   Emeryville Taiko Open House Emeryville Taiko celebrated the new year with the Japanese tradition of mochi (glutinous rice cake) making, drawing a capacity crowd! Several brave guests helped us pound mochi the traditional way, in an usu (hollowed-out stump) using long wooden mallets. The celebration concluded with a spirited, informal taiko performance rewarded with enthusiastic applause.   Photos by Richard Man   Welcome new students We would like to welcome our new students to the Beginning 1 classes: Airiel, Cheri, Diana, Margaret, Micky and Scott.   Thank you for bringing your energy and inspiration to the group!   Class schedule Beginning 1 classes: Thursdays 7pm to 9pm, Saturdays 2pm to 4pm New students accepted February 4 at 6:30pm and February 6 at 1:30pm   Beginning 2 classes: Tuesdays 7pm to 9pm, Saturdays 11am to 1pm Intermediate classes: Mondays 7pm to 9pm, Wednesdays 7pm to 9pm   Classes are held at: Emery Secondary School Shop B 1100 47th Street at San Pablo Avenue Emeryville, CA 94608   Our classes are in the Shop B space on the northwest corner of the San Pablo/47th Street intersection. There is plenty of parking along 47th Street west of San Pablo. Enter through the big roll-up steel door on 47th. Click here for a map and directions.   Support us Emeryville Taiko is a San Francisco Bay Area taiko group providing traditional Japanese drumming classes and performances. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible and your financial support is appreciated. You can donate online at our website.