Applications are being accepted for this year's STI which will be lead by On Ensemble in LA. Please check out the website for full details, but here's a short excerpt on what to expect:
"On Ensemble is composing a brand new taiko piece, to be debuted at STI and taught to the 25 participants! With the piece as a foundation, the program explores each step of the song cycle: from practice to performance to critical review and revision. In addition to basic form and technique training, participants learn practical tips for improving timing, musicality, and playing as a group. As the song is further polished, supplementary drills and performance concepts for refinement are explored. Along with specific techniques, rhythms, and drills, participants learn the On Ensemble members’ underlying philosophies and creative processes. STI participants come away empowered to apply the concepts to future songs. The course provides numerous take-home materials, in addition to the new piece itself, for sharing with participants’ home groups."
I attended the STI in 2007 and found it to be a great learning experience, especially for those who live in a place with few taiko resources. It's also conveniently scheduled just before NATC, so it's easy to attend both. If you have any questions about my time at the last STI, please post in the comments. Thanks!