MARK H ROONEY

artist website: https://www.markhrooney.com

social links:

Mark H Rooney studies, performs, and teaches taiko: a dynamic form of full-body drumming based in Japanese tradition. Mark combines that traditional foundation with a modern sensibility to create performances and classes are full of energy, endurance, and excitement. Mark’s high-energy teaching style and emphasis on connection, reaction, and interaction appeal to audiences of all ages.

Based in the Washington, DC area, Mark’s credits as a performing artist span multiple continents and genres. He began his taiko career in Boston, MA as a performing member of Odaiko New England in 1998. He has since performed with a number of groups in Japan as well as performing widely in Europe and the United States as a touring member of Taikoza. Since moving to the DC area in 2011, Mark has continued to collaborate with a wide range of artists and arts organizations. Collaborators include Tiger Okoshi, Opera unMet, UpRooted Dance, Arts on the Horizon, and ilyAIMY. In 2019, Mark founded the Mark H Taiko Connection (MHTX) to engage and inspire audiences in a wide variety of settings – from restaurant openings to cultural events – through a shared exploration of a contemporary taiko voice. The ensemble combines traditional taiko rhythms and styles with modern performance and musical sensibilities to truly embody the spirit of “connection.”

Though Mark is a dynamic and talented performer, his true passion lies with teaching taiko. In addition to serving as Odaiko New England’s Artistic Director from 2008–2010, Mark was the principal architect and instructor for their widely successful classes and workshops. Mark was also the founding instructor for Wesleyan University’s popular taiko program and he continues to be a frequent guest artist at colleges and universities throughout the U.S. As a skilled connector, Mark is a sought-after instructor and organizer for taiko conferences and international events. Locally, Mark leads the Mark H Rooney Taiko School for his growing number of students in the DC area, teaching weekly classes and offering special workshops and artist residencies several times each year. Through his outreach work in schools and communities, Mark regularly performs for a wide variety of audiences, ranging from school children to diplomats.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOLS & COMMUNITIES

Engaging, educational performances, workshops, and residencies for schools, libraries, and other community settings. Programs may be presented in-person or virtually and may be tailored to students in grades preK-12, families, college students, and adults.

PERFORMANCE

An Introduction to Taiko, the Art of Japanese Drumming:

This interactive program features the performance of both traditional and contemporary songs and rhythms and explores the instruments, the use of one’s voice in taiko, and a bit of history and Japanese vocabulary, as well. Performances include the chance for volunteers to get up and try their hand at playing these BIG drums!

WORKSHOPS & RESIDENCIES

Introductory Taiko Workshop/Residency:

With an emphasis on listening skills and a focus on fundamentals, this workshop introduces the basic techniques for getting a large sound with efficient movement, the practice of drumming as a community, and the traditional way to learn taiko music – all centered around the key principals of respect and connection. Workshops may be scheduled individually, in a series, or as part of an artist residency, and are best for grades 3+. For more experienced students, intermediate, advanced, and master class options are also available. Options available upon request.

EVENTS

Custom solo and ensemble performances – from dynamic event kick-offs to engaging festival atmosphere – feature traditional and modern taiko styles and varied instrumentation. Performances may be tailored to suit a variety of audiences and settings and create memorable experiences for event attendees.

The Mark H Taiko Connection (MHTX)

Founded by Mark H Rooney in 2019, the members of the Mark H Taiko Connection (also known as MHTX) have well over 100 years of combined taiko experience in the U.S., Japan, and Europe. Whether performing for store openings, casino shows, or cultural events, MHTX seeks to engage and inspire audiences through a shared exploration of a contemporary taiko voice. The group combines traditional taiko rhythms and styles with modern performance and musical sensibilities to truly embody the spirit of “connection.”

Contact us to explore performance options and availability.