Bailey Hall resounded with rhythms and beats as Cornell Yamatai presented Pulse 2025: Reflections, a 14-song production that encapsulated their annual Taiko drumming performance.
Taiko, meaning “drum” in Japanese, is a traditional style of Japanese drumming rooted in Buddhist and Shinto religions. Though the practice is a historical form of classical art, it has recently modernized to over 4,000 groups across North America.
The 26 members of the University’s only Taiko drumming ensemble were accompanied by guest performer Miyako Seki, a member of the professional Japanese Taiko group Bonten who travelled to Cornell from Japan to perform. Together, the ensemble performed a fiery two hour long show.
The production comes to life after weeks of preparation, beginning at the start of the 2025 spring semester, according to the co-publicity chair Emmah Kabbah ’27.
“[We rehearse] up to four times a week — sometimes over 15 hours,” Kabbah wrote in an email to The Sun. “It’s been a true test of discipline and teamwork. … Our 26-member team has poured their heart, time, and energy into making this show unforgettable.”
The songs ranged from solos and duets to small and large group pieces, comprising varying styles, movements and volumes. Similarly, dynamic energy was created throughout the production, with some compositions being done lying down, while others required spins, jumps and dances.
Apart from the music itself, the cast members were illuminated with changing lighting that aligned with the feeling of the music. The stage radiated striking dark red hues that quickly changed to dark or bright lighting based on the beats and flow of the songs.
Following “years of scaled-down performances due to COVID,” the club has felt rising turnout throughout the years. With around 1000 tickets sold for their Saturday performance, according to Kabbah, Yamatai’s momentum is growing increasingly stronger throughout the years.
Brenda Calhoun, an Ithaca resident, attended with a friend and found herself cheering and energized.
“I love to support people in the neighborhood. When [there are] events like this, it's good to get out,” Calhoun said. “I thought it was awesome. This is my first time being here and I’m enjoying myself.”
Yamatai's final piece involved every member in the club, making for a triumphant conclusion that echoed throughout Bailey Hall. Laura Ren ’27, who takes an interest in the art and has auditioned for the group twice, was enthusiastic about the performance and culture.
“This is my second time coming to Pulse,” said Ren. “It’s really interesting how the Japanese drumming is so powerful. For those two hours, it's really enjoyable”
Correction, April 17, 9:00 a.m.: A previous version of this article stated that that the club had sold over 800 tickets. The article has been updated to reflect a more accurate final count of around 1000.
