Taiko, The Art of Japanese Drumming: Lecture and Practical with Mark H. Rooney

Oct. 24—Montgomery College's Master Artist Series will feature Japanese taiko drummer Mark H. Rooney leading a master class from 11 a.m. to noon Nov. 2 at the Culture Arts Center theater at the school. The event will also be broadcast live.

Rooney studies, performs and teaches taiko, a dynamic form of full-body drumming based in Japanese tradition. Rooney combines that traditional foundation with a modern sensibility to create performances and classes that are full of energy, endurance and excitement.

Rooney has been called "the world's most dangerous half-Japanese/half-Scottish solo improvisational taiko artist." He has studied, performed and taught taiko for the past 20 years in the U.S., Japan and Europe. He was the artistic director of Odaiko New England, the founding instructor for Wesleyan University's taiko program, and a touring member of Taikoza. He has collaborated with a wide variety of artists and groups and lives in the Washington, D.C., area.

The Cultural Arts Center is at 7995 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring. To register for the free event, visit form.jotform.com/222624659791163.