In this essay, we would like to talk about music in Kumamoto. Even though there are a huge number of music groups, usually students from the area universities, the music scene is not very active, largely because people can easily go to Fukuoka where there are more people. However, there is a lot of music out there in Kumamoto and this essay is to help you find it. The first thing we want to check out is places to buy music to listen to.
I.CD shops
1.Buying music
If you need a new tune to dance to, we recommend you go to Tower Records and find some new CDs there. The Kumamoto branch of Tower Records, which is located at the first floor of Parco, contains a wide range of products such as Japanese pops, R&B, classic music and more. There are players with recommended CDs that you can listen to or you can preview the CDs before you buy. More than three-hundred CDs are previewable and people also can watch trailers of newest DVDs by using in-store equipment. At the same location as Tower Record, there is also a studio where you can take weekly music lessons. Lessons are offered in how to play electric guitar, drums and flute.
If you would like a locally owned and operated shop, check out Woodstock at the end of Kamitori. They have a great selection of hard to find classical and jazz cds and the staff will help you find something when all else fails. They sell both new and used cds, but they are a bit more expensive than most stores. They are open everyday from 11 am to 8:30 pm, except on Sundays and holidays when they are open till 8.
2.Used and Rental CDs
If you want inexpensive used CDs, BOOK-OFF or HARD-OFF is one of the cheapest ways in Kumamoto. You can find a wide range of CDs. Even though some CDs are in bad shape, it is still worth it to visit if you really want to save money. At BOOK-OFF, you can also find used books too. Similarly, HARD-OFF contains computers, TV games and movies. They often add new categories of products and that is why they have gained tremendous popularity recently. There are 11 branches in Kumamoto, so one of them probably has what you are looking for. To rent CDs, we recommend that you check out a nearby TSUTAYA or a GEO. You can find a wide variety of music at both stores and all you have to do to start renting is pay a small annual membership fee. We recommend TSUTAYA for variety and GEO for price.
II.OTANI
The OTANI music and instrument shop is located in the arcade called Shimodori, just below Kumamoto Castle. People can buy many kinds of instruments there and the staff would help you find exactly what you need. Hiroaki also bought his blues harp there because it was quite cheap and Mr. Tomei goes there for supplies for his French horn. On the first floor and second floor, you can see a lot of guitars, basses, drums, keyboards, horns, and other instruments. But be careful, you should watch your step because the aisles are pretty narrow. If you aren't careful, you may pull down an expensive instrument. If it is your very first time to visit and you really have no idea what to buy, you’d better go get a sales assistant to help you. In the basement, music and educational items are sold.
The Heisei college of music used be called the “KUMAMOTO ONGAKU TANKI DAIGAKU”. It was located in Kamimashikigun and it was a junior college, however, they ended their thirty year history in 2002 and are now a 4 year college. Currently, the Heisei college has two departments and eight courses to foster human resources as musicians. Some of the courses are rare in these days, such as electronic organ course and music therapy course. Even though they have to pass a rigorous examination in order to enroll, many young people want to study there.
VI.Kumamoto philharmonic orchestra
The Kumamoto philharmonic orchestra was formed in 1965. The leaders at that time nurtured the orchestra to be an institution of the city. In past years, they have given performances in a number of countries, such as China, the United States of America and Germany. Nowadays, people look forward to the future of the orchestra.
Of course, there is Kumamoto Gakuen's student orchestra, Green Philharmonic. Both Tomei sensei and Judy sensei play in the orchestra, which gives its main concert every year in late February or early March. The orchestra is conducted by Fukuda sensei and he not only conducts, but helps beginning students achieve a level where they can play with the orchestra. The orchestra has performed Holst's The Planets and Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony. This year's concert will be March 8, 2008, and the orchestra will play Schumann's 1st symphony among other pieces.
So even if Kumamoto is not very famous for music, there is a lot of music in Kumamoto. Perhaps one of these places may have you tapping your toes or singing along.
