Brian Forbis

Born in Los Angeles, Brian first started playing taiko in undergrad at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon in 2010. After graduation, he moved to Boston, MA for work in software and has continued his taiko career to this day.

He has collaborated with many different taiko groups, always looking for new opportunities to take his taiko skills to the next level. These include Genki Spark and Rutsubo Taiko in Boston along with OMNY taiko from Brooklyn. He currently is a member of the Odaiko New England performing ensemble since 2012.

Brian has also trained with internationally renowned taiko artists from around the world, including Kris Bergstrom, Yuta Kato, Tiffany Tamaribuchi, Kenny Endo, Shoji Kameda, and Shonagh and Martin Doyle. He is always looking to get different perspectives on playing taiko to bring back to Boston.

Brian's favorite style of taiko is "naname", where the taiko drum is put on a slant stand. This style of drumming allows for greater dynamics of arm movements, allowing for some visually stunning choreography.