Mukume Taiko Drummers

We are the Mukume Taiko Drummers, based in the Wellington region. Our group consists of students from Kapiti College and Marsden College Whitby.

We are working hard to raise funds for a van to transport our drums to/from practice and performances. Currently we rely on many different cars to transport them, but our goal is to have one vehicle that can transport all drums and also act as secure storage.

Our group formed in 1994, when Sumiko Mukume arrived from Japan to teach at the Thomas Kennedy Junior Academy, a primary school in Raumati for gifted children. Sumiko brought her drums with her and for two years she taught the children and a few adults. Our group began performing around the lower North Island - we were the only performing group of Taiko children and still are today.

In 1996 Sumiko returned to Japan but left her drums in our care with the proviso that we kept drumming. Without a teacher we were unsure, but Sumiko believed "the children will teach the children and the magic will live on". Our current teacher, Erola Whitombe, took up the challenge. As a teacher at Thomas Kennedy and a taiko student, Erola has kept the group performing for the past 22 years.

The Mukumes perform throughout the lower North Island at various events including;

Sumo Wrestling World Champs

International Peace Conference

Opening the Para Olympics

School galas

Japanese, Chinese and Polynesian festivals

Kapiti Expressway Opening

Our drums, sticks and stands break and wear out and recently we have been able to fundraise via raffles and movie nights to cover the cost of repair. Our next goal is transport. We urgently require financial help and would be very grateful for any contribution you may be able to make.

Thank you,

The Mukume Taiko Drummers