Traditional Japanese Imperial Court Music, that was the title of the class that I read while searching through music courses I wanted to take. With a title such as this, it definitely caught my eye.
My first day of class was interesting, I didn’t know what to expect. When I came to the classroom, I thought I had entered the wrong class. There was food! I wondered if I had accidentally joined a party. Well it turns out that the class starts off with dinner together. I was told that Sensei Shamoto, our instructor believes the mind should be focused on the music and not on an empty stomach. I thought that was a beautiful belief. So for every class, Sensei makes oden and sushi rice for his students. For poor hungry college students, this class is a blessing. Not only do you get to learn about a wonderful form of music, but you get fed as well.
For beginners, we are introduced to three basic key instruments in the ensemble, the Ryuteki, Hichiriki, and Sho. Normally, beginners start off with the Ryuteki and would later move on to the other instruments. Traditionally, performers of Gagaku would learn and sing (shoga) before picking up an instrument. In class, we also become familiar with shoga; but, on the first day we try out the Ryuteki and become familiar with the breathing and usage of the instrument… more so struggling to make a sound and losing breath haha.
The Ryuteki is a Japanese transverse flute that is traditionally made out of bamboo. Today, anyone can purchase a plastic version of a ryuteki. I myself purchased one online from Japan. A plastic ryuteki can still provide a decent sound and are perfect for beginners with a small budget. However, if you attend the class you will be given a ryuteki to borrow and use throughout your class term. In my opinion, if you begin to really enjoy the class and would want to continue practicing after taking the class, I would suggest ordering one online. Below is a link to the site where I ordered mines. I also purchased a hichiriki for myself in addition to the ryuteki.
Also, one cool thing I learned is that the ryuteki represents the sound of a dragon flying towards heaven. One of the reasons I love Gagaku is the ethereal or out of this world feeling I get while listening to the music.
https://www.mejiro-japan.com/products/gagaku-flute/ryuteki-japanese-bamboo-flute/ryuteki-sale
The Hichiriki, also traditionally a bamboo made instrument, is a reed instrument similar to the clarinet. Except that it is a very small instrument in comparison to the size of a clarinet and it can only play two octaves. Just as the ryuteki represents dragons, a hichiriki represents the sound of humans on earth.
The Sho, another bamboo based instrument is perhaps the most expensive to purchase out of the three. Probably because it is the most intricately designed instrument and is much more fragile and requires additional maintenance, unlike the ryuteki and hichiriki. Due to the individual reeds within the instrument, it is sensitive to temperature and moisture. The sho represents heaven, and I believe the sound of the sho justifies that meaning. The instrument is basically, a mini handheld organ, or maybe a very fancy harmonica. I should add, I love the position of how the musicians need to be when performing. They play postured as if in pray. To me it provides a feeling of awe when watching and hearing performers of Gagaku.
Now back to the class. The class is usually small, and the bonds you build are great. Admittedly, I was quite shy and nervous when I first joined. But I’m so thankful that I did join and was introduced to this art and the people preserving it. Throughout the semester I practiced and ate with these people. We only had one performance for the class, the Pau Hana Concert held every semester at the end of the term to showcase all the different groups in the ethnomusicology department. I was so excited to perform with them. Since day one, each class time was filled with energy.
The following semester, I unfortunately did not have time to be a part of the class regularly. But I came when I could. I wanted to support the class as much as I could. Sensei held a Moon Viewing Concert in Fall 2015. I was eager to help. It was awesome seeing the current and past students performing. It was quite a sight seeing all of them in traditional garments. Below I have some pictures from class, the Pau Hana Concert in Spring 2015 and the 2015 Moon Viewing performance. I also included a couple of clips.
If you are interested in taking the class and supporting the Gagaku Ensemble, the class number is MUS311i and some additional info can be found at http://manoa.hawaii.edu/music/about-us/ensembles/gagaku/.
You can also email mshamoto@hawaii.edu for more information about the class and/or the Hawaii Gagaku Society.
Oh, before I forget. There is one more thing I would like to mention. Sensei Shamoto is a very kind and humble man. Just by his belief to feed his students, you would already know the type of character he has. Reverend Masatoshi Shamoto has worked many years in preserving and sharing this wonderful aspect of Japanese history and culture.
In 2009, he was bestowed the honor of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays. It is one of the most respected and admirable honors in Japan. I included a couple links below about sensei’s award and additional information about him. He has also been recognized as having the longest running college course being continually taught by an instructor in the U.S. He has been teaching this course for over 50 years.
I personally am honored to be one of his students and was able to learn under him. I should also note that his children have also carried on his work and are highly active in the Hawaii Gagaku Society. His daughter Mika Hill is especially the most active. She leads the class on Wednesdays and teaches with her father.
https://manoa.hawaii.edu/news/article.php?aId=2854
http://www.honolulu.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/UJS2010.htm
Moon Viewing Performance 2015 Clip 1
Moon Viewing Performance 2015 Clip 2
Moon Viewing Performance 2015 Clip 3
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