Blaine O'Brien

Blaine O’Brien is a taiko player and percussionist based in Los Angeles, California. He is a performing member of TAIKOPROJECT, a leading American taiko ensemble that mixes traditional Japanese drumming with contemporary performance. O’Brien’s started with marching band and rock drumming, leading him to perform with Pulse Percussion in 2010, where he contributed to their Winter Guard International gold medal victory.

He learned more taiko as president of Jishin Taiko at California State University, Northridge, where he organized concerts and joint events with other colleges. Currently, O’Brien is Director of the Music Department at Crespi Carmelite High School, home to the first accredited high school taiko group in the United States. He is also a content leader at the Utah Taiko Experience, a summer program that integrates taiko performance with outdoor exploration and cultural exchange.