Waraku-kai SHOU has more than 20 ongoing classes.
Some are for people aged 60 and over.
Here are some scenes from classes and the annual spring training camp.
The van with the drums has arrived!
Everyone helps load them on a cart and move them to the classroom.
Setup is the first step
Covers are removed and everyone works together to set up the drums.
Evening classes include many people coming from work.
Some are still wearing business suits as they help with setup.
Careful warm-up exercises
Take the time to stretch.
Don’t slack off, or you’ll be sore tomorrow.
Fully opening the shoulders.
Hell squats
The number of repetitions varies with the groups.
Some do 50, some as many as 150.
Everyone’s personal limit is respected—no overexertion allowed.
Practice swings are the foundation
Practice swings are the foundation for everything.
Students feel their way into the proper form with feedback from the teacher.
Pounding while the sweat rolls down
“I love to pound the drum” is what most students say.
Skillful or not, give it your all, and open up your voice….
After drumming, it’s time to hydrate!
Hearing a message from the artistic director
Collecting class fees
Break time is a chance to chat and enjoy.
Eagerly learning
Practice is over, and everyone joins in a hearty “Arigato gozaimashita!”
Once each year, in the spring, the association holds a training camp at Ashino Hot Springs in Kuroiso, Tochigi. It is open to members of all classes. Attendance is optional.
Leisurely soaking our tired bodies in the springs prepares us for another active day at the drums.
On clear days we practice near the pools, filling our lungs with the clean fresh air.
When it rains we practice indoors.
Warm-up exercises, practice swings…
Just like a regular class.
Of course we gather to enjoy ourselves in the evenings.
Once each month Ashino Hot Springs presents an Adult Music Recital. When the schedules match, we perform in this event.
