1130 Ruddick Ave, Suite 101
Columbus, IN • 812.581.0130
Photo Credit: Jana Jones Photographie, L.L.C.
SOUTHERN INDIANA TAIKO PERFORMANCE GROUP
Southern Indiana Taiko, previously known as Rhythm Conspiracy, was founded in 2006 by Mary Quantrall, a world drummer, dancer and soul-seeker. Upon her retirement in 2009, she donated all of her African and middle eastern drums to one of her students, current director Gail Nowels.
Under Nowels leadership, the group has evolved from a recreational group studying "world drumming", to a full-time Taiko performance group. They have built their own Taiko drums out of re-purposed whiskey barrels and Nowels designs and constructs their costumes. The group attends Taiko workshops throughout the United States to continue to refine their skills and connect with other Taiko enthusiasts around the world. They are one of only two Taiko groups in Indiana, and perform at festivals, fairs, corporate events and private parties. The group has performed for Eli Lilly, Cummins Inc., Johnson County Public Library, Indianapolis International Fest, Columbus Ethnic Expo, Seymour Oktoberfest, and other events throughout Indiana.
If you are interested in taking beginning Taiko lessons, scheduling a fun, team-building workshop for your employees, or booking Southern Indiana Taiko to perform at your special event, contact Gail at (812) 581-0130 or email at sitcolumbus@gmail.com. Follow us on facebook to stay up to date on upcoming classes and performances!
GAIL, Director
Gail is a 2006 founding member, director, choreographer, costume designer, drum builder, and co-owner of the Southern Indiana Taiko LLC drum studio. She is a retired high school physics teacher. Her hobbies include biking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, sewing, and ballroom dancing.
LORI, Stage Director
Lori is a 2006 founding member and staging director for the Southern Indiana Taiko performance group. She is a mentor to the other performers, and loves learning new styles of drumming and the challenge of new pieces. Lori is a mental health counselor.
TINA, Marketing Director
Tina joined the performance group in 2015. She is the marketing director, assistant instructor, and co-owner of the Southern Indiana Taiko LLC drum studio. She enjoys camping, hiking, and kayaking with her family.
THERESE
Therese became a member of the performance group in 2016. She serves as Executive Director at Advocates for Children in Columbus, IN. She enjoys spending time with her first grandbaby, wine tasting, seeing live music with friends, her book group, and snorkeling.
ADONNA
Adonna joined the Southern Indiana Taiko group in 2018. She loves the movement, rhythm, and energy of taiko. Adonna is a former marketing executive and enjoys equestrian sports, water skiing, scuba diving, and playing piano.
KARIN
Karin has been drumming with the group since 2018 and is our newest member. She has a great attitude and brings a lot of fun energy to the group! Karin is a teaching assistant for children with learning disabilities. She enjoys running, auto racing, world travel, spending time with family, and playing with her little beagle, Copper.
ALEX
Alex joined the performance group in 2020 and loves how empowering and fun Taiko drumming is! Alex is the Education Manager at kidscommons in Columbus. She likes to hike, travel, and spend time with her family.