DIRECTORS’ LETTER To our friends, families, fellow members of the taiko community, and special guests -- welcome and thank you so much for joining us for our 9th Annual Spring Concert! We have spent almost every day of spring quarter preparing for this event, but what you see here tonight goes beyond these past seven weeks--it is the culmination of the entire school year's worth of teaching, learning, practicing, hard work, and playing together. Tonight, we are very honored that you have joined us for this special performance, and we are incredibly excited to share our passion with you.

We would like to thank our talented guest performers, Hopkins Sax Jam and Elias Turner (fondly known as The Banjo Guy around UCSD), our wonderful volunteers, and our generous sponsors. As always, we are enormously appreciative of our alumni and their efforts to lay a solid foundation for Asayake's ongoing growth and creative exploration, and of their continuing love and support.

To the current members of Asayake, thank you. No one but you all truly understand the sheer volume of work that goes into producing this event, and while we couldn't do it without the support of our friends and family, remember that tonight is also for you. You earned this, and we are so proud of you--proud to be members of this team with you, and excited to see how you will grow after this. We leave you with a quote from the man who inspired tonight's performance: Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you! (And we wouldn't have it any other way.)

Now, without further ado, we welcome you into the magical world of Dr. Seuss, where Whos and chus await you. Please enjoy the show!

BETH MATTER performance director

HEATHER ZOOK assistant

performance director

MARINA MCGOUGH administrative director

ABOUT ASAYAKE

TAIKO In the Spring of 2002, Bobby Koga, Reid Matsuoka, and several other students came together to start a taiko group at the University of California, San Diego. Over the next few years, members acquired materials and knowledge to build the group’s first set of Japanese drums. Then, in the Spring of 2004, Asayake Taiko debuted with the new handmade drums at the 3rd Annual Nikkei Student Union Culture Show. “Asayake” means “morning glow” in Japanese, and invokes the image of the early morning light playing on the ocean mist in La Jolla. Our mission is to promote both cultural awareness and inclusivity in the UCSD and San Diego communities by sharing our love, passion, and respect for the art of taiko through performance.

GENERATION 12

GENERATION 13

GENERATION 14

GENERATION 15

Aubrey Lyons Beth Matter Michael Hidayat Heather Zook

Marina McGough Kyle Torremocha

Josaleen Ta Alanis Nokham Jenny Burgoyne Kinsey Chikuma Danny Gibo David Lee Athena Ibe-Ibanez Nayuki Isoda Cameron Panlasigui Stephanie Lee Lauren Dimalanta Anthony Quach Austin Pukasamsombut Samm Iwamasa Dae Han Ryan Okazaki Jessy Nguyen

Fabian Lim Katherine Santos Catie Sakurai Ivy Hang

GUEST PERFORMERS

ELIAS TURNER THE BANJO GUY

Elias Turner is a multi-instrumentalist, writer, physics student and maker of things. His music is rooted in American folk and bluegrass traditions, particularly Appalachian old-time music. Branching from this he also draws from modern and world influences. Turner’s primary instrument is the five string banjo, but he’s also skilled with guitar, mandolin, fiddle, and ukulele among others, letting the needs of the music dictate the instrumentation. He frequently carries his instruments with him, particularly his banjo, so has garnered a reputation around UCSD as “The Banjo Guy,” a name he carries proudly.

HOPKINS SAX JAM

Hopkins Sax Jam is UCSD’s first and only all-saxophone performing group! We play a wide variety of songs, ranging from jazz to Disney music to classic and modern rock. If you like our performance, check us out on Facebook, or contact us at hopsax@gmail.com!

CAST

Narrator: Marina McGough & Stephanie Lee

Horton: Ryan Okazaki Catie Lou Who: Catie Sakurai

The Grinch: Athena Ibe-Ibanez Cat in the Hat: Katherine Santos

Sam I Am: Samm Iwamasa Thing 1: Kyle Torremocha

Thing 2: Austin Pukasamsombut Catie’s Mother: Ivy Hang

Lorax: Jessy Nguyen

ACT 1 INTERMISSION

ACT 2

SONGS

Omiyage Composed by Shoji Kameda (2004)

Performed by: Aubrey Lyons, Athena Ibe-Ibanez, Heather Zook, Danny Gibo, Beth Matter, Marina McGough, Michael Hidayat, Cameron Panlasigui, Jenny Burgoyne

Omiyage was made available to the wider taiko community at the 2005 North American Taiko Conference. The title translates to “gift”, as the piece is intended to be shared amongst the taiko community and support the growth and camaraderie of American taiko groups. Combining an upbeat tempo with dynamic choreography, omiyage engages its audience with its lively beat and dynamic motions.

Ishi Composed by Marina McGough and Matthew Sasaki (2015)

Performed by: Nayuki Isoda, Heather Zook, Lauren Dimalanta, Kinsey Chikuma, Beth Matter, Marina McGough, Anthony Quach, Stephanie Lee, Samm Iwamasa, Ivy Hang

Ishi means "stone" in Japanese. This song takes inspiration from the inner workings of the earth, featuring solid movements and subtle polyrhythms. The movements are meant to reflect the many mechanisms of the earth- the slow flux of the mantle, the cascade of rocks in a landslide, or fracturing of stone in an earthquake. Ishi is meant to convey a sense of constancy and urgency, in which players embody these functions and bring them to life.

Taifuu Composed by Albert Chu (2007)

Performed by: Stephanie Lee, Kyle Torremocha, Aubrey Lyons, Michael Hidayat, Athena Ibe-Ibanez, Anthony Quach, Beth Matter, Marina McGough, Ivy Hang, Cameron Panlasigui

Taifuu is a dynamic and forceful piece that seeks to portray a tropical storm’s rise to its full destructive power. The song narrates the premonition, formation, and aftermath of a great typhoon throughout three movements, each with its own distinct features and characteristics.

Naminori

Composed by Gabriel Elmaleh and Yuki Horikawa (2008) Performed by: Kinsey Chikuma, Aubrey Lyons, Austin Pukasamsombut, Kyle Torremocha,

Heather Zook, Lauren Dimalanta, Dae Han

Translated into Japanese, Naminori means “riding the waves”. The flowing motions of the song represent the soothing waves of San Diego, and the upbeat feel of the song portrays the sunny beaches and fun atmosphere of Southern California.

Awakening

Composed by Michelle Zimmerman (2008)

Performed by: Heather Zook, Beth Matter, Fabian Lim, Catie Sakurai, Ivy Hang, Jessy Nguyen, Danny Gibo, Michael Hidayat

Awakening was written to celebrate the concept of the impacts of life, whether they are professional or personal. Through upbeat interplay between players and a structure that grows in spirit and intensity, the piece reflects one’s relationship with others and the growth from individual to group.

Jikan-Gire Composed by Anton Palma (2008)

Performed by: Josaleen Ta, Stephanie Lee, Michael Hidayat, Aubrey Lyons, Alanis Nokham, Kyle Torremocha, Anthony Quach, Marina McGough, Danny Gibo, Ryan Okazaki

Written as an unorthodox experiment in timing and rhythms, Jikan-Gire, translated as “running out of time,” presents an unusual sequence of rhythm and form. The title is appropriate not only for the piece’s shifting notation, but for its ability to keep viewers in a sense of imbalance, always on edge.

Shibuki Composed by Kelli Wing (2008)

Performed by: Aubrey Lyons, Dae Han, Ryan Okazaki, Josaleen Ta, David Lee, Catie Sakurai, Lauren Dimalanta, Athena Ibe-Ibanez, Fabian Lim

Inspired by childhood trips to the Hawaiian Islands, Shibuki conjures the image of standing on an ocean cliff and feeling the breaking waves against a lava rock coastline. Its fluid and rhythm is demonstrated as the surging beats ebb and flow and as the kata shifts from one drum to the other.

Kodomo-Zakari Composed by Michael Hirota and Diana Nguyen (2007)

Performed by: Kyle Torremocha, Kinsey Chikuma, Marina McGough, Alanis Nokham, David Lee, Cameron Panlasigui, Heather Zook, Michael Hidayat

Literally translating to “peak of childhood”, this song represents the inner child within each and every one of us. Drawing inspiration from the friendly schoolyard competition and the playful creativity of the group as a whole, the piece’s fun and slightly mischievous nature also speaks to an aspect of taiko that resonates within every player’s soul—the joy and camaraderie that one finds in playing alongside his or her group mates.

The Final Battle Composed by Athena Ibe-Ibanez, Cameron Panlasigui and Danny Gibo (2015)

Original soundtrack “Techno Syndrome” © The Immortals Performed by: Cameron Panlasigui, Danny Gibo

The time has come, and the end is near. A fierce battle will take place between the harsh elements of thunder and ice, both equally matched with strengths beyond mortal imagination. Could anything possibly stand in the way of naming a clear victor…?

Kamaitachi Composed by Jordan Tani (2014)

Performed by: Heather Zook, Marina McGough, Danny Gibo, Anthony Quach, Cameron Panlasigui, Nayuki Isoda, Beth Matter, Kyle Torremocha, Jessy Nguyen

Kamaitachi are a type of yokai that are embodiments of the wind. In lore, they are characterized by attacking travelers leaving them with a distinct characteristic of sharp pains but no wounds to show for it. This piece is inspired by the Hida Province interpretation. Kamaitachi attack in a trio: the first uses large gusts of wind to knock down the traveler, the second attacks with sharp blades, and the third heals the wounds.

Arashi Composed by Reid Matsuoka (2004)

Performed by: Katherine Santos, Ivy Hang, Alanis Nokham, Ryan Okazaki, Jessy Nguyen, Samm Iwamasa, Heather Zook, Marina McGough, Kyle Torremocha, Cameron Panlasigui, Austin Pukasamsombut, Catie Sakurai

Arashi is the oldest piece in Asayake Taiko’s repertoire and has undergone as many changes as the group has. It features fast driving rhythms that amount to a storm as it sweeps across the land. Considering the fact that Asayake means “Morning Glow”, Arashi can be seen as our signature piece, since a red morning sky is often indicative of a coming storm.

Go! Composed by Mark Oteyza (2015)

Performed by: Cameron Panlasigui, Anthony Quach, Jenny Burgoyne, Athena Ibe-Ibanez, Beth Matter, Heather Zook, Marina McGough

Go! is Asayake’s first all-shime piece written in hopes of imitating a jam session. Inspired by the pop songs of today, Go! is repetitive, but catchy. Don’t be surprised if you have a line or two stuck in your head after the performance! Featuring fast-paced shime work, hip-hop themed beats, multiple vibe changes from chaotic to chill, Go! is sure to have you grooving in your seats with the performers!

Tanoshii Composed by Nicholas Vu and Thais Takei (2013)

Performed by: Josaleen Ta, Jenny Burgoyne, Lauren Dimalanta, David Lee, Danny Gibo, Beth Matter, Stephanie Lee, Aubrey Lyons, Jessy Nguyen, Katherine Santos

Tanoshii, which translates to “fun”, represents an important life lesson. There are always small changes and challenges that keep you on your feet. These little changes make life fun and interesting. It is best to embrace these changes with optimism while incorporating them into our lives to make each day a unique experience.

Matsuri

Arranged by Susan Park, Jimmy Nguyen, and Mark Oteyza

Performed by: Alanis Nokham, Athena Ibe-Ibanez, Lauren Dimalanta, Josaleen Ta, David Lee, Jenny Burgoyne, Katherine Santos, Samm Iwamasa, Fabian Lim, Dae Han, Anthony Quach, Austin Pukasamsombut, Stephanie Lee, Aubrey Lyons, Nayuki Isoda, Kinsey Chikuma, Danny Gibo, Ivy Hang, Catie Sakurai

Matsuri, literally meaning “festival”, is a traditional piece performed throughout the taiko community worldwide. Although the basic rhythms are universal, the forms and styles displayed in each group’s version are diverse to the point where two versions are rarely alike. Even within Asayake, the piece has evolved over time to reflect the changes in technique and artistic direction. This rendition of Matsuri attempts to revitalize the song with added interactions and a lively swing beat, while maintaining the song’s traditional aspect.

Special thanks to SHAWN MORIMOTO

JIMMY NGUYEN AV TECH

photographer YUMEI JIN photographer NADIA LINK

videographer DARREN ANDO event manager LAURA PUHL

fund manager ANNA DICKSON raffle prize donor AUBREY LYONS

raffle prize donor KINSEY CHIKUMA raffle prize donor AUSTIN

PUKASAMSOMBUT

and all of you for coming!

SPONSORS

ARCHITECTS CORNER

REVELLE COLLEGE COUNCIL

FUNDRAISER: TAPIOCA EXPRESS

“You’re off to great places! Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting, So get on your way!”

– Dr Seuss

WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE CONCERT!

SHOUTOUTS AVAILABLE AT

TINYURL.COM/ASACONCERT2016

FIND US AT

FACEBOOK.COM/ASAYAKETAIKO

@ ASAYAKETAIKO

ASAYAKETAIKO.COM

Cover design by f-premaur

BO$$ Bear and GOOD VIBES BEAR

Thanksformakingmy/meinTaikosomeofthemostmemorablemomentsofmylife.Itwouldn’thavebeenasfunasitwaswithoutthetwoofyouthisyear!

Samm,Keepupthehardwork!You’veimprovedyourtaikoabili/es

immenselythisyearanditlookslikeyou’rejustgoingtogetevenbeBer.Although/meswillgettough,justrememberthatyouhaveyourASAFamheretobackyouup.You’vemadeitquiteawaysyourfirstyear.Itwillallpayoffintheend.Yougotthisbuddy!

Heather,

Ireallyappreciatehowgreatarolemodelyouareformeandforthegroup.Seeingyouputyourallintoeveryprac/ceinspiredmetoworkhardeachday.Also,thanksforbeingsuchagreatfriend.WhenIwasmildly“undertheweather”youtriedtokeepmeuprightandgoingevenwhenyoubarelyknewme.Ihopeourfriendshipstaysstrongeventhoughyouraway.ThanksfrobeingawesomeBo$$Bear!

From, #KTK

FabFabe!It’sbeenawildandconfusingridewithyouthisyeartosaytheleast.Asatryouteeyouwerethissmall,quiet,unassuminggirlwhopolitelyaskedques/onsduringprac/ce.Whenwegotyouasourbuddyweweresoecsta/ctotakeyouunderourwingsandshowyoueverythingAsahastoofferandhelpyouinyourtransi/onintocollege.As/mewentonweallbegantobond,becomecomfortablewitheachother,andyouwerethedaughtertoourpapaandmama.Thatis,un/lyouHITMAMAANDVERBALLYABUSEDPAPA.uHM?????????????Youcameoutofthatshelllikenoother.Thatwell-behavedgirlweknewwasgoneandyouturnedintononeotherthanSatan,theevilspawnfromthefierypitsofhell,yourtrueform.YouwreakedhavocacrossallofAsa.There’sareasonwecallyouBrutalBear.Suitablenicknameforasinistercub,right?Butit’sokaybecauseyouareourBrutalBear.Overthispastyearwegottoreallyknowyou,spendinglonghourstalkingitupwithgoodfoodorfoolingaroundandcausingtrouble.Whowould'vethoughtthatthethreegoofiestpeopleinAsawouldenduptogether,andthroughthisgoofythatourbondwouldstrengthen?Thisyearhasbeenwickedstrangeasitwasfunandexci/ngandwearesogladtohavestartedanewbuddylineagewithyou.WealwaysjokethatyouareourliBlegirlandweareyourpapaandmama,butIthinkwereallygrewtofilleachofthoserolessomuchaswearealiBlefamilyinthebiggerfamilyofAsa.SohereistoyouFobyawn,FabFabe,BrutalBear,Satan:Weloveyoulikeadaughterandcan’twaittoseeyouperformandseehowallyourhardworkthisyearhaspaidoff.Goodluckandwehopeyouhaveatonoffun!--Love,PapaandMama

Dear Beth, Heather, and Marina, [aka The Big3~] Thank you for raising us like babies to play Taiko!

GEN 15 Loves You!

Do you love me? Do you think you could learn to love me?

IneverthoughtI’dactuallyjointaikomyfirstyear,andnowhereIamperforminginmyfirstconcert!Thanksforguidingusalongtheway^__^-Austin

Thank you for making my last

year an experience I’ll never

forget! I appreciate all of the

effort and time you three put

into making Asa what it is! :] -

Jessy

You’re all beautiful people who I aspire to be like. Thanks for putting in the hard work and dedication to this team! Please don’t forget us because we will never forget you! WE ALL LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

-Ivy

You three have made this year very special to me. Thank you all so much for the memories and the fun we had throughout this school year. I'm not sure where I would be without you three. -Samm

Thank you for welcoming us into the crazy,

pain-inducing, awesome world of taiko! It has

been such a great experience having fun and

making music with you for the past year, and I

know you’ll all go on to do great things! BUT

DON’T FORGET TO COME BACK TO VISIT

YOUR CHILDREN!!! -Ryan

You guys are incredible at taiko and even more amazing as people, and I'm gonna miss you a lot. Thanks for believing in me and putting up with my oddities, I love you guys ❤ - Catiiiiiieeeee

Iloveyou-BrutalBear

Dear Gen 15, Thank you all for making my first year in Asa and my first year at UCSD so amazing! I am so incredibly lucky to have such smart, satanic, spontaneous, sexy, sincere, silly, sassy, and supportive friends by my side! Literally. Like literally by my side, holding each other’s thighs. Thanks for joining this dysfunctional taiko family with me! I couldn’t have survived the wild ride that is college without each and every one of you. Let’s go out and make this year’s concert spectacular, because THIS ONE’S FOR US!

ILYSM, Ryan

Kinsey is

the Taikoolest

Taiko player we know and

love!

Buddae!!Oh how quickly this year has gone by.

Congrats on making it through your first year in Asa and your first concert! I hoe

you’ve enjoyed it as much as we’ve enjoyed watching you learn and grow and do weird things like make a little man out

of a napkin and pose him in a bath of oil at CPK. You truly are the weirdest and most amazing buddy we could have asked for.

Thanks for being so generous and for always putting a smile on my face! !

ily, Bethbuddy !

♥DAE♥TODAE IS YOUR DAE! !

I’m so glad fate chose you as my final Asa buddy. Despite your handsome calves, you’re one of the most humble

people I’ve ever met. Beth and I are both so proud of you! Thanks for always being down to talk about controversial

topics that make all my other friends uncomfortable. You’re super kind and thoughtful, and even better, you’re one of the weirdiest weirdy weirdos I’ve ever had the pleasure of being weirded out by (and coming from me, that means a

lot). PLEASE DRAW ME ONE OF YOUR CREEPY DOODLES OKAY LOVE YOU !

- Your mom, Marina!

Dear Gen 15, There are not enough words to express how grateful we are to have such a wonderful group of friends like you all. It’s really sad that we’re only with you as a Gen for a year since we’re “old” people and adults who have to take on responsibilities after college. ):< So, from us to you, we would like to give you some advice and lots of love!

To Ryan: You’re kind and a funny person; don’t let anyone dim your light and your sassy self. There is so much charisma to you that it’s no surprise (but still kind of is) that a lot of people know you! Stay awesome and don’t forget to treat yourself!

To Kat: Please don’t ever stop making your punny jokes; they’re the best (but also the worst). Tiny, but full of kindness, you’re a joy to be around. Thanks for being involved in the things that you are; it makes all the difference!

To Samm: Even though you may not believe it, you are a very considerate, genuine person. Your compassion makes the people around you feel at ease and brings them closer. Keep your chin up and keep moving forward, you got this!

To Dae: You are very much loved; you may be weird, but you’re our kind of weird. You’re also a kind and selfless person; don’t you forget that! Also, don’t be afraid to open yourself to the rest of us; we care for you very much!

To Austin: Smart as you are kind, you’re gonna go out and do great things! Keep up the great work and don’t forget to give yourself the same kindness that you give to others.

To Fabian: Even though you’re known as being brutal, we all know what the true meaning behind those harsh words is! Your humor and dedication make every moment around you fun and enjoyable, even if you are sassy... Keep doing what you do and you’ll make the most of your time!

To Catie: Your ability to speak your heart and mind is admirable! Don’t stress out too much; you’re doing just fine. Know that there are people who love you and who appreciate you for the dancing queen thatyou are!

You’ve made it through another year and you’ll continue to have greater ones coming. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes because that’s the best way to learn. Encourage yourself and others because they will be there for you, as we are. Don’t forget to let us know how you’re doing because WE. ARE. FAMILY. <3 Goodbye, Gen 15 and see you soon!

Love, Ivy & Jessy

Dear Gen 15, There are not enough words to express how grateful we are to have such a wonderful group of friends like you all. It’s really sad that we’re only with you as a Gen for a year since we’re “old” people and adults who have to take on responsibilities after college. ):< So, from us to you, we would like to give you some advice and lots of love!

To Ryan: You’re kind and a funny person; don’t let anyone dim your light and your sassy self. There is so much charisma to you that it’s no surprise (but still kind of is) that a lot of people know you! Stay awesome and don’t forget to treat yourself!

To Kat: Please don’t ever stop making your punny jokes; they’re the best (but also the worst). Tiny, but full of kindness, you’re a joy to be around. Thanks for being involved in the things that you are; it makes all the difference!

To Samm: Even though you may not believe it, you are a very considerate, genuine person. Your compassion makes the people around you feel at ease and brings them closer. Keep your chin up and keep moving forward, you got this!

To Dae: You are very much loved; you may be weird, but you’re our kind of weird. You’re also a kind and selfless person; don’t you forget that! Also, don’t be afraid to open yourself to the rest of us; we care for you very much!

To Austin: Smart as you are kind, you’re gonna go out and do great things! Keep up the great work and don’t forget to give yourself the same kindness that you give to others.

To Fabian: Even though you’re known as being brutal, we all know what the true meaning behind those harsh words is! Your humor and dedication make every moment around you fun and enjoyable, even if you are sassy... Keep doing what you do and you’ll make the most of your time!

To Catie: Your ability to speak your heart and mind is admirable! Don’t stress out too much; you’re doing just fine. Know that there are people who love you and who appreciate you for the dancing queen thatyou are!

You’ve made it through another year and you’ll continue to have greater ones coming. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes because that’s the best way to learn. Encourage yourself and others because they will be there for you, as we are. Don’t forget to let us know how you’re doing because WE. ARE. FAMILY. <3 Goodbye, Gen 15 and see you soon!

Love, Ivy & Jessy

Dear Gen 15, There are not enough words to express how grateful we are to have such a wonderful group of friends like you all. It’s really sad that we’re only with you as a Gen for a year since we’re “old” people and adults who have to take on responsibilities after college. ):< So, from us to you, we would like to give you some advice and lots of love!

To Ryan: You’re kind and a funny person; don’t let anyone dim your light and your sassy self. There is so much charisma to you that it’s no surprise (but still kind of is) that a lot of people know you! Stay awesome and don’t forget to treat yourself!

To Kat: Please don’t ever stop making your punny jokes; they’re the best (but also the worst). Tiny, but full of kindness, you’re a joy to be around. Thanks for being involved in the things that you are; it makes all the difference!

To Samm: Even though you may not believe it, you are a very considerate, genuine person. Your compassion makes the people around you feel at ease and brings them closer. Keep your chin up and keep moving forward, you got this!

To Dae: You are very much loved; you may be weird, but you’re our kind of weird. You’re also a kind and selfless person; don’t you forget that! Also, don’t be afraid to open yourself to the rest of us; we care for you very much!

To Austin: Smart as you are kind, you’re gonna go out and do great things! Keep up the great work and don’t forget to give yourself the same kindness that you give to others.

To Fabian: Even though you’re known as being brutal, we all know what the true meaning behind those harsh words is! Your humor and dedication make every moment around you fun and enjoyable, even if you are sassy... Keep doing what you do and you’ll make the most of your time!

To Catie: Your ability to speak your heart and mind is admirable! Don’t stress out too much; you’re doing just fine. Know that there are people who love you and who appreciate you for the dancing queen thatyou are!

You’ve made it through another year and you’ll continue to have greater ones coming. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes because that’s the best way to learn. Encourage yourself and others because they will be there for you, as we are. Don’t forget to let us know how you’re doing because WE. ARE. FAMILY. <3 Goodbye, Gen 15 and see you soon!

Love, Ivy & Jessy

My taiko babies AKA Gen 15, Wowowow I hope you’re enjoying your first concert! I can’t tell you how proud I am of all you’ve accomplished this year. You’re all warm and fantastically quirky people, and each of you adds so much to the heart and personality of Asa. I hope you feel at home and loved in the Asafam, because you are definitely appreciated! Enjoy the rest of the year, and keep the momentum going in the years to come. I’ll be watching. Allllways watching. ;) Love you goobs, Beth

Dear Theenie & David

DearGen12!!!IamsuperproudofwhatyouguyshaveaccomplishedthisyearinAsa!!IamalsoproudtobeapartofthisGen!Icannotaskforabe?erGen.Youguyshavebecomesuchamazingtaikoplayersthroughthepast4yearsinAsa!Thanksforbeingmyfriends!Iknowthatthisyearhasn’tbeeneasyatall.But,beingtheoldestmemberstheteam,youguyshavedoneagoodjobleadingthegroup!Icannotwaittoseethemasterpiecethatyouguyshaveplannedforconcertthisyear!IreallywishtosharethestagewithyouguysandplayourGenfinalesongforthelastJme!ButIwillbecheeringforyouguyswholeheartedlyintheaudience!!Itisyourlastconcertandalsoourlastyearincollege!So,Iwishyouguysthebestofluck!Havealotoffunandtreasureeverysinglemomentofit!!10.12.4e4GenTwelveForever!Love,Vinh

To Our Gen Boyz: High-Employability/Average Bear & Long Limbs/Mocha Bear,

First of all, congrats! You’ve made it through your third concert! We’ve watched you grow from taiko-playing fetuses to full-formed humans in the course of three years.. a true magical miracle. We’re stoked knowing it’s you guys who will take over next year!

Thank you both for being so amazing these past three years. I don’t know if you realize it, but the two of us really do appreciate you so much for all the support you’ve given us, both in the club and outside it, and all you’ve done for Asa too. Though it took a while to bring you both out of your shells, you guys were always so genuine and open to let us also be our (violent) selves. It’s pretty rare to find people who can accept our moderately crazy way of showing love. (Seriously, something’s wrong with you. But we’ll take it.)

We know you guys are absolutely devastated to lose us next year, but we have the utmost confidence you won’t screw things up, so go forth confidently and with open minds and ears into next year (it’ll be easier to hear without us screaming in them). If it’s you two, you’ll definitely be able to manage anything next year has to throw, and that you’ll nurture Gen 16 to be the best newbies ever! Who knows, maybe working so closely will finally make you guys the best friends we always tried to force you to be.

We can’t wait to see all the amazing things you do next year- especially for Asa’s TENTH ANNUAL CONCERT!!! (No pressure. That’s a lie. ALL THE PRESSURE.) You’re going to do so great. :’) WE LOVE YOU & WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!

Your Gen 13 Girlz: Loudmouth Boss(y) Bear & Forever Babushka Bear

BETH BEETH

BETHARONI METH BATTER

BERTRUDE BEETH STROGANOFF

GARTH

I can’t imagine making it through this year without you. Through Asa trials, senior year freak-outs, flooded bathrooms, 8 months of construction, THE CRUSHING WEIGHT OF REALITY, huge amounts of stress, etc… I don’t know how we’re alive. But we are. Mostly. :’) You’re such an incredible person and you know all the good things. It’s been an honor to really get to know you & see firsthand how hard you work in and outside Asa. Thanks for putting up with me (as a general rule) and buying me grapefruit boba when I’m sick and just all around being a wonderful human. I’ve been very lucky to have you and Bob Esponja in my life- you’re easily the most genuinely kind person I’ve ever met.

Thanks for being my teammate, my partner, my roommate, and my friend. I couldn’t have done it without you.

ps. we’ve lived together for almost the whole school year and we’ve taken like 4 pictures together in the last 3 years what is wrong with us

ily precious angel babyLove, Marina

dat PD/APD synergy

Ya old coot Oh, Danny boy… :’(

Heather and Marina, Sometime during my second year in Asa, the oh-so-wise ahjumma bear Jinjoo brought to my attention the possibility that I might have to step up to the role of PD someday. She also explained that being PD is kind of an absurd job, and that you really need someone to be your rock and your support system. This scared the bejeebers out of me because 1) I didn't know if I had it in me, and 2) I wasn't sure if I would have anyone to support me like Helen supported Jinjoo.

Fast forward two years, and here I am as PD working with the most capable and supportive admin and APD I ever could have hoped for. Thank you both so much for the incredible amount of work and heart you've put into this group, and thank you thank you thank you for being my rocks (Marina…..rocks.... geddit? Earth HA) not only as fellow Asa officers, but also as true friends. I love you and I'm gonna miss you and I'm gonna cry at concert and banquet and graduation, so be prepared, okay?? Also, you’re both really weird. I appreciate that.

Love always, Beeth Stroganoff Party time 0000001

You’re actually both in this picture lol

Klyle,

Thank you so much for all your support and hard work this year, especially during concert season! The fact that you came to nearly all the song practices of your own accord, even though you were in no way obligated to do so, is very telling. It was incredibly helpful in preparing for this concert, but it also gives me even more confidence in your ability to lead next year. Keep working on dem jokes! And always remember the difference between a dirty bus stop and a lobster with breast implants.

P.S. Remember that time you pressed all the buttons in the elevator in Pangea and made me miss my shuttle home? Yeah. I do. Never forget.

Da Michael,

I don’t know how you do it, but really nice job handling all your responsibilities this year, and thanks for being a great external director! That numbered list message. Haha. I appreciate that you still manage to make time for all the ridiculous Asa things despite your crazy schedule. :) Thanks for helping me make people carry on the Foley-Okumura-Sasaki dynasty picture tradition, and for all the random elbow/chin cones! Also, I don’t know if you remember this, but we bonded over fun. at the party after massive joint practice hosted by Senryu two years ago, and now we’re playing a fun. song with Hopkins! Wowie. In other news, here’s you with an ice cream cone covering Kyle’s foot because I’m out of space.

To both of you Gen 13 babies, We’ve all come a long way since our first deep talk after Harry Potter concert (look above to see what dweebs we were—Michael what are you even doing). It’s been really neat seeing you both grow so much as taiko players and as leaders over the past few years, and I’m looking forward to seeing how Asa grows through your leadership. Thanks for all the London Fogs and the laughs, and enjoy concert! -Bleth 951 car (hi Alanis)