A Pre-Kindergarten - Grade 12 co-educational independent day school in Westchester County, New York

RCDS Welcomes OMNY Taiko for Annual Priscilla M. Liebman Concert

On January 10, Rye Country Day students enjoyed energetic performances from OMNY Taiko, a community drumming group and nonprofit organization that shares the Japanese art of taiko drumming. 

OMNY stands for “One Miracle in New York,” and was founded in 2006 as a youth initiative by Shumei, a Japanese spiritual organization. Led by Artistic Director Crissy Lau, OMNY Taiko performs its repertoire of traditional styles, contemporary pieces, and original compositions to inspire a love of the sound of taiko drumming.

In their presentations to each division, the percussionists explained the history and evolution of taiko, from its origins thousands of years ago in Japan to modern day styles. They also explained the various parts of the drum and how traditional drums were made with cowhide covering large tree trunks. OMNY Taiko taught students how to say some words in Japanese, like Sāikō (Let’s go!), and encouraged the audience to share their energy and loudly cheer while they were drumming on stage. Finally, several students were invited to come up on stage and play some beats on the drums. 

OMNY Taiko’s visit to RCDS was a part of the Priscilla M. Liebman Memorial Concert, an annual performance series designed to introduce RCDS students to a variety of music and artists from across different cultures and communities. The namesake of the series, Priscilla M. Liebman, was Rye Country Day’s Director of Development and Alumni Affairs from 1975 to 1990, and she was deeply passionate about the performing arts. The Priscilla M. Liebman Memorial Concert Series was endowed by Alan L. and Jacqueline B. Stuart in 1992, and the Stuarts founded the concert series in memory of their dear friend. Mr. Stuart, a former RCDS trustee, and Mrs. Stuart had three daughters who attended the school: Elizabeth Stuart '88, Lynne Stuart '86, and Tori Stuart '83. Sadly, Mr. Stuart passed away in August 2024. This concert series stands as a lasting tribute to both his deep appreciation for world culture and his strong connection to the RCDS community.

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