Free Spirit
roy“This is a song of unity and sharing.”
“Free Spirit” in performance and practice with San Jose Taiko
About the Song
“Free Spirit”, San Jose Taiko, 2019 San Jose Obon in California
Roy Hirabayashi wrote Free Spirit in 1983 for San Jose Taiko. He was inspired by the playing of Miyarabi Taiko from Tokyo, an all women’s Okinawan-style group.
The technicality and musicality in their ensemble work, especially how they played on multiple drums in different formats, inspired him and the idea just clicked.
The song fast became a fan favorite of San Jose Taiko over the decades, both in concert performances and at obon festivals. It has also been recorded on many San Jose Taiko CDs and DVDs.
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“What was important for me was the idea of playing as an individual and also playing in an ensemble. The kumidaiko (group drumming) point of view is what we're all about in playing taiko here in the US and I wanted this to come through in the song.”
~Roy
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“And so the song to me is really giving the individual an opportunity to solo and do whatever they want. This was the expression of free spirit in the song, but at the same time, I know we all live in a society where things are so controlling around us, even though we try to be free, we're under controlling factors. We have to go to work, we have to punch a time clock, we have many responsibilities. So there's all these other elements that structure us at the same time. Similarly, the song has a structure and within that, there’s a structure for solo phrases and sequences that get passed back and forth. The solos give the players freedom within a structured beat of phrases.”
~Roy
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“Free Spirit” was originally written for two players on the right, two players on the left. Each set of players had 4 drums total in their pod - josuke/shime/josuke/shime. This arrangement allows both sides to work as teams and have a conversation back and forth by exchanging solos within the structured patterns. “Free Spirit” has evolved over time with as many as 8 players performing together. Two clave players seated in the middle behind the players keep the beat.
“I want the players to have fun playing Free Spirit. This is the intention of the song, just enjoy playing taiko and be yourself.”
The Gift of “Free Spirit”
As a gift from the composer on his 50th anniversary of playing taiko, “Free Spirit” will be made available as an open source taiko song starting November 2023.
This is Roy’s contribution toward keeping the free spirit of taiko thriving and going strong. He hopes the song will bring taiko players the joy of playing together while giving them the freedom to express their personalities in the solo parts.
FAQ
What is the key to playing “Free Spirit”?
To have fun, play with joy, and be yourself.
How many players are there in “Free Spirit”?
The song is written for 4 taiko players. One or two clave players can be added to accompany the piece.
How can I learn “Free Spirit”?
Roy Hirabayashi, the composer, is accepting inquiries for private workshops and informational sessions which will be coordinated upon demand.
Can I modify the song and are creative interpretations allowed?
The song combines both foundational rhythms shared by the 4 players with sections for solos allowing for individual creativity. The composer would like taiko players to stay within this framework with the intention of sharing versus competing against pods.
How can I ask questions of the composer?
Please email hello@pjroytaiko.com and direct your questions to Roy Hirabayashi.
What credit should be given if the song is played publicly?
Please credit Roy Hirabayashi, composer.
Is permission required to record or publish “Free Spirit” by itself or with any other media?
Yes, the composer’s approval is required in writing.
Is there any documentation for the song?
Documentation will be posted after the song is officially made public in November 2023.
Interested in learning to play Free Spirit?
Roy (composer) and PJ will be offering in-person, “Free Spirit” workshops in 2024 for community taiko groups with advanced taiko skill levels and experience. For more information including applicable fees, please send an email and tell us about your group and why you wish to learn and play “Free Spirit”.
pj“The oral tradition of learning the music, called kuchi shoka, is instrumental to embodying the song and internalizing the sounds of it.
Saying the taiko rhythm, then playing it. We feel this way of learning beyond simply Western notation is critical to preserving the song’s essence.”
About the Composer
Roy Hirabayashi wrote “Free Spirit” in 1983, one of many taiko songs he composed during his time with San Jose Taiko. Roy is a third-generation Japanese American, born and raised in Northern California. He is considered one of the pioneers of North American Taiko and is an accomplished taiko and shinobue (fue) performer, composer, and instructor with more than five decades of experience.