Foundation donates new drums to community project Taiko Journey

Spectators at Sandy Park were given an extra performance before the Exeter Chiefs took to the pitch to face Montpellier when community group Taiko Journey brought their drumming spectacle to the stadium.

The group were demonstrating new equipment which has been bought with funds granted by the Exeter Foundation. 

Taiko Journey started in Ashburton just over 3 years ago with a handful of equipment and the mission to increase the physical and social well-being of local people, especially those living with disability or special educational needs.

The latest project aims to benefit 75 young people (in the first year) with special needs in the Greater Exeter Area, and also aims to benefit the wider community in the region.  They endeavour to achieve their goals through the use of Taiko Drumming, which is a very physical form of group music-making originally from Japan.

Hannah-Jasmine from Taiko Journey said " We cannot be more thankful to the Exeter Foundation for their generous contribution to Taiko Journey. The drums that have joined our community are already getting used by over 50 people each week ranging from school children to community Taiko performers. We are so happy to now have a beautiful Odaiko - the biggest drum of them all - to share with everyone. We have worked with SEND schools in Torbay, where this instrument proved to open up a powerful energy and many smiles.

"Our community group also brought this huge sound to the Great West Runners who could hear us for miles around. We've got lots of plans for future projects and performances with these incredible drums, so look out for us across the Exeter area. And if you're inspired to join us, and try these drums for yourself, we have classes in Exeter, Tavistock and Plymouth, and can run team-building events for your work place and get your whole team in rhythm. All thanks to the Exeter Foundation, these drums will be beating at the heart of Exeter for years to come," Hannah continued. 

For more information visit https://taikojourney.com/