Written by Izzy Bernie

On Friday, January 10, RCDS students were swept away by the thunderous energy of Taiko drumming as the Omny Taiko group performed at the annual Leibman Concert. This yearly event, generously sponsored by the Leibman Family, brings a unique cultural or artistic group to the school each year, and this year’s selection did not disappoint. 

Taiko, a traditional Japanese drumming art form, is much more than music – it is a dynamic blend of rhythm, movement, and storytelling. Performers use their entire bodies to strike the large drums with precision, often shouting out enthusiastic calls to energize the audience and encourage one another. This call-and-response aspect of the performance quickly became a highlight for students, many of whom eagerly joined in from the audience.

A memorable moment came when students were invited onstage to experience Taiko firsthand. Summer Sisitsky ‘27 described the experience as exciting and enjoyable, as she was able to share the moment on stage with her peers. Xindi Liu ‘27 also reflected on the opportunity, sharing that “the arm movement necessary took a bit for me to get comfortable with. There’s a certain power in being able to play an instrument with so much history.” Despite the challenge, Liu described the activity as “low-stakes and fun,” leaving her and many other Upper School Students with a lasting impression of the performance.

Omny Taiko’s mission statement reflects their dedication to spreading this vibrant art form: “Omny Taiko is a vibrant, tight-knit community drumming group striving to share the art of Taiko drumming with people and communities across the New York City area through inclusive, accessible performances, classes, and workshops.”

The Leibman Concert remains a beloved tradition at RCDS, bringing students closer to diverse cultural expressions each year. This year, the booming sounds of Taiko drums and the shared laughter on stage created an unforgettable experience. As the echoes of the drums fade, the RCDS community cannot wait to see what next year’s concert will bring.