Bill (he/him) is a Third-year Computer Science major in Taiko Kai’s 10th Generation. He joined Taiko Kai because of how it combines musical, physical, and cultural aspects with a great community. Prior to joining Taiko Kai, he played clarinet in concert band. His favorite part about Taiko Kai is learning a new song with the group. In his free time, he likes to go camping and hiking. 

Lily (she/her) is a Fourth-year Psychology major in Taiko Kai’s 9th Generation. She played taiko during middle school, which sparked her interest in joining the club in college. She also wanted to join Taiko Kai to make friends and become part of a community at UW. Unsurprisingly, her favorite part of Taiko Kai is the people, social events, and performing as a group!

Jennifer (she/her) is a Fifth-year majoring in Mathematics with a minor in Music belonging to Taiko Kai’s 9th Generation. She grew up watching her family friends perform in taiko groups and had always wanted to try it. Cue Taiko Kai! Her favorite parts of being in Taiko Kai are the energy and the people. Outside of Taiko Kai you can find her playing trumpet for several UW music ensembles including the Husky Marching Band, doodling around campus, or at any half-decent boba place.

Toan (he/him) is a Second-year prospective Informatics major in Taiko Kai’s 11th Generation. Before joining the club, he played viola for his high school’s orchestra. He decided to join Taiko Kai after watching one of the club’s performances and thinking the outfits and drums looked cool. His favorite part about Taiko Kai is the community and the fun, exciting events the club participates in. In his free time, he enjoys playing League of Legends and reading manga. 

Dustin (he/him) is a Third-year Interdisciplinary Visual Arts major with a minor in Art History belonging to Taiko Kai’s 11th generation. Prior to joining the club, he played clarinet and saxophone in music ensembles for 7 years. He joined Taiko Kai after watching performances by other taiko groups in the Seattle area and falling in love with the combination of music and choreography. His favorite part about Taiko Kai is performing with his friends. Outside of the club he likes to draw and try new restaurants around the city. 

Sylvie (she/her) is a Second-year prospective Computer Science major belonging to Taiko Kai’s 11th generation. Before joining the club, she played clarinet for six years, but eventually wanted to try a new musical instrument. She joined Taiko Kai because she always wanted to try taiko, and also to become part of a community that appreciates Japanese culture. Her favorite part about Taiko Kai is the new friends she’s made since joining the club, as well as how welcoming the members of the club are to everyone they meet. In her free time, she likes to play Stardew Valley and go on walks. 

Ace (they/he) is in their Third year at UW, double-majoring in Linguistics and Cinema & Media Studies, and a part of Taiko Kai’s 11th Generation. They joined Taiko Kai because they wanted to begin performing again, and to be part of a positive and accepting community. Outside of Taiko Kai, Ace can be found at their local library, baking a variety of treats, and working on their latest film and photography projects.

Ollie (they/them) is a Second-year prospective Interdisciplinary Visual Arts and Education, Communities and Organization double-major belonging to Taiko Kai’s 11th Generation. They joined Taiko Kai hoping to participate in more ensemble music due to prior experience playing in a casual string quartet. Their favorite part about Taiko Kai is getting to see their friends during performance practices!