The Japanese characters 太鼓 (taiko) translate directly to “big fat drum”, a form of traditional Japanese music and art that combines powerful beats with dynamic movements. Although intimately a part of Japanese culture for over 1,000 years, it has now spread all around the world and captured many people’s hearts with its lively, loud, and energetic performances. UQ Taiko holds weekly practice sessions at the University of Queensland St. Lucia campus, where we develop our taiko drumming skills and learn songs that we perform at a range of public and private events.