As you drive down into the underground parking structure you begin to hear it, a low rumbling sound. It gets louder and louder as you descend into the garage until finally you find yourself in the midst of it all – pounding, echoing, reverberating. Welcome to the life of a collegiate taiko player. Due to a lack of practice space, UCLA’s Yukai Daiko practices in this underground structure weekly – arranging the drums on the asphalt, creating vibrations off the concrete walls, and setting off more than a few car alarms in the process.

Scott and I stopped by one of their practices a couple weeks ago to drop off some drinks (because what could make you thirstier than beating big drums in a parking lot?) and to check out their practice. This was the group where I got my taiko start and it lies very close to my heart. It makes me so happy to see these kids playing the drums with the same enthusiasm year after year. Not noticing the stark walls, the stuffy air, the deafening noise – but focusing only on their love of the art and their love for each other.

There was a birthday in the group so cupcakes were in order…

But these boys are too tough for cupcakes.

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In other news, am looking forward to a fun opportunity this weekend!  Hopefully will have an exciting new post for you Monday morning!