BenPachter.com

CV

I. Education

Ph.D., Ethnomusicology, University of Pittsburgh, 2013

  • Dissertation: “Wadaiko in Japan and the United States: The Intercultural History of a Musical Style”
    • Committee: Bell Yung (chair), Andrew Weintraub, Adriana Helbig, Brenda Jordan, Deborah Wong 

M.A., Ethnomusicology, University of Pittsburgh, 2009

  • Certificate of Advanced Study on Asia, Japan Focus
  • Thesis: “Drumming for the Mouse: Kumidaiko and the Exhibition of ‘Japan’ at Walt Disney World”

M.M., Performance, Southern Methodist University, 2004

B.M., Performance, Duquesne University, 2002

  • Graduated summa cum laude

II. Employment History

The American School in Japan, Tokyo, Japan (2024-present)

  • Substitute Teacher
    • Substituted for middle school and high school music and language classes

Japan-America Society of Central Ohio Dublin, OH (2017-2023)

  • Executive Director
    • Managed and had general supervision, administration, and direction over operations, facilities, and employees; developed and maintained membership and programming initiatives

Apple Store, Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA (2014-2017)

  • Technical Specialist (Technical Support) (2016-2017)
    • Diagnosed and supported customers’ technical issues; assisted with inventory
  • Red Zone Specialist (Sales) (2014-2016)
    • Helped customers discover, purchase, and setup Apple products; assisted with inventory

University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA (2008–2011, 2013, 2014, 2015)

  • Part-time Instructor (2008-2010, 2013, 2014, 2015)
    • Taught undergraduate Introduction to World Music seminars and Basic Musicianship classes
  • Teaching Assistant (2008–2009, 2010–2011)
    • Assisted with University Gamelan, and Introduction to World Music classes

III. Teaching Experience

The American School in Japan

  • Substitute teacher for middle school and high school band and music classes, high school AP World history and AP English Literature and Composition classes

University of Pittsburgh

Department of Music

  • Introduction to World Music (undergraduate – 150 students) (Spring 2014, Spring 2015)
    • Teaching Assistant (3 recitations) (Fall 2010, Spring 2011)
  • Introduction to World Music (undergraduate – Co-listed with College of General Studies) (Fall 2010, Spring 2013, Spring 2014)
  • Basic Musicianship: Class Piano (undergraduate) (Fall 2008, Spring 2009)
  • Teaching Assistant, University Gamelan Ensemble (undergraduate/graduate) (Fall 2008, Spring 2009)

IV. Publications

Journal Articles:

“Displaying ‘Japan’: Kumidaiko and the Exhibition of Culture at Walt Disney World.” Asian Musicology. Vol. 14. (2009)

Online Articles:

“A Brief Institutional History of the Society for Asian Music.” Society for Asian Music, 2013. http://asianmusic.skidmore.edu/Pachter-1310.pdf

Book Reviews:

Taiko Boom: Japanese Drumming in Place and Motion (Shawn Bender). Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute. Vol. 22.1 (2016)

V. Conference Paper Presentations

“Language and the Intercultural Mediation of Wadaiko Knowledge”

  • 2014 Society for Ethnomusicology Annual Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA

“’What is Taiko?’: Negotiating the Evolution of Contemporary Japanese Drumming Music.”

  • 2013 Society for Ethnomusicology Annual Meeting, Columbus, OH

“’Beyond Tokyo’: Examining the Spread of Tokyo Shitamachi-style Taiko Drumming Around the World”

  • 2012 Mid-Atlantic Region/ Association for Asian Studies Conference, West Chester University, West Chester, PA
    • Nominated for 6th Annual Graduate Student Award

“From Festival to Stage: ‘Midare Uchi’ and the Balance of Old and New in Kumidaiko Repertoire”

  • 2011 Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Society for Ethnomusicology Annual Meeting, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

“Bringing World Music to the Community: Creating a Japanese Taiko Ensemble at the University of Pittsburgh”

  • 2010 Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Society for Ethnomusicology Annual Meeting, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
  • 2010 Society for Ethnomusicology Niagara Chapter Annual Meeting, Kent State University, Kent State, OH

“Finding Japan in Kumidaiko: Identity Politics and Representations Within a ‘Modern’ Performance Art”

  • 2010 University of Pittsburgh Arts & Sciences Graduate Expo, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

“When East Meets West: Walt Disney World, Authenticity, and the Reification of Kumidaiko”

  • 2008 Society for Ethnomusicology Annual Meeting, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT

“Drumming for the Mouse: Walt Disney World and the Reification of Kumidaiko”

  • 2008 University of Pittsburgh Arts & Sciences Graduate Expo, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
    • Awarded Outstanding Paper Award   

VI. Invited Lectures, Lectures/Demonstrations, and Workshops

Invited Lectures on Taiko:

“Taiko: Tradition as a Basis for Innovation”

  • National Consortium for Teaching about Asia teacher workshop, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, June 19, 2020

“Taiko & Civil Rights”

  • Kent State University, Kent, OH, April 10, 2018

“Taiko Performance in Japan: Blending Old and New, East and West”

  • University of Findlay, Findlay, OH, January 30, 2018

“Wadaiko: From Local Traditions to Worldwide Phenomenon”

  • Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA, November 15, 2012

“Beyond Tokyo: Examining the Spread of Tokyo Shitamachi-Style Drumming Around the World”

  • University of Pittsburgh Asian Studies Center Asia Over Lunch lecture series, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, September 20, 2012

“Tradition and Modernity in Japanese Ensemble Drumming”

  • National Consortium for Teaching about Asia teacher workshop, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA October 10, 2010

“Performing Past and Present: Tradition and Modernity in Japanese Group Taiko Performance”

  • University of Pittsburgh Asian Studies Center Asia Over Lunch lecture series, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, October 15, 2009

“Big Drum, Small World: An Introduction to Japanese Group Taiko Drumming”

  • University of Pittsburgh Outside the Classroom Curriculum lecture series, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, March 2, 2009

Invited Lectures on Japanese Culture:

“Spirits, Gods, Pocket Monsters: The Links Between Pokémon and Japanese Mythology”

  • Ohayocon, Columbus, OH, January 22, 2023

“The World of Pokémon”

  • Ohayocon, Columbus, OH, January 21, 2023

“The Yokai of Studio Ghibli”

  • Ohayocon, Columbus, OH, February 13, 2022

“The Sales-Idol: Music & Marketing in Japanese Idol Culture”

  • Ohayocon, Columbus, OH, February 13, 2022

“Miyazaki’s Japan”

  • Ohayocon, Columbus, OH, January 23, 2021

“Exploring Japanese Instruments”

  • Ohayocon, Columbus, OH, January 12, 2020 

“Learning Japanese Through Pop Culture”

  • Ohayocon, Columbus, OH, January 11, 2020

“Aidoru: Japanese Idols”

  • Ohayocon, Columbus, OH, January 11, 2019

“Japanese Aidoru”

  • The University of Toledo, November 5, 2018

“Japanese Idols”

  • University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, March 23, 2018

“Kabuki: The Impact of Japanese Theater on Circle of Blood”

  • Shadowbox Live, Columbus, OH, October 18, 2017

Other Invited Lectures:

“Ohayo Japan: Celebrating 50+ Years of Ohio/Japan Relations”

  • Ohayocon, Columbus, OH, February 9, 2022

“Ohio’s Japanese Community”

  • Ohayocon, Columbus, OH, January 12, 2019

“Finding Japan in Ohio”

  • Ohayocon, Columbus, OH, January 27, 2021

“Business Relations Between Ohio & Japan”

  • University of Mount Union, Alliance, OH, February 6, 2018

“Japanese Community & Culture in Central Ohio”

  • Denison University, Granville, OH, November 16, 2017

“Japan-America Society of Central Ohio: A Brief History”

  • Ohio University, Athens, OH, September 25, 2017

Taiko Lecture/Demonstrations and Workshops:

2016

  • Cooper-Siegel Community Library, Fox Chapel, PA (November 13, 2016)
  • Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA (November 4, 2016)
  • St. Luke Lutheran School, Cabot, PA (May 13, 2016)
  • High School Japanese Speech Contest, University of Pittsburgh (March 4, 2016)
  • Dormont Elementary School, Pittsburgh, PA (February 12, 2016)

2015

  • Children’s Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA (September 29, 2015)
  • Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts School (May 26, 2015)
  • Harrold Middle School, Greensburg, PA (May 15, 2015)
  • Haine Middle School, Pittsburgh, PA (February 27, 2015)

2014

  • Winchester Thurston Summer camp, Winchester Thurston School, Pittsburgh, PA (July 24, 2014)
  • Robinson Township Library, Pittsburgh, PA (June 26, 2014)
  • Harrold Middle School, Greensburg, PA (May 1, 2014)

2013

  • Taylor Allderdice High School, Pittsburgh, PA (November 7, 2013)
  • Winchester Thurston Summer Camp, Winchester Thurston School, Pittsburgh, PA (July 17, 2013)
  • Harrold Middle School, Greensburg, PA (May 10, 2013)
  • Asian Studies Undergraduate Regional Conference, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA (March 1, 2013)

2012

  • Shady Side Academy, Pittsburgh, PA (October 25, 2012)

2011

  • Harrold Middle School, Greensburg, PA (April 21, 2011)
  • National Association of Laboratory Schools Annual Conference, Falk Laboratory School, Pittsburgh, PA (April 15, 2011)
  • Follansbee Middle School, Follansbee, WV (March 25, 2011)
  • Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Society for Ethnomusicology Annual Meeting, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA (March 19, 2011)
  • Chartiers Valley High School & Middle School, Bridgeville, PA (March 18, 2011)
  • Eden Academy, Sewickley, PA (February 25, 2011)
  • Pittsburgh CAPA High School, Pittsburgh, PA (February 11, 2011)
  • University of Pittsburgh Introduction to World Music undergraduate recitations, Pittsburgh, PA (February 3–4, 2011)

2010

  • Falk Laboratory School, Pittsburgh, PA (November 19, 2010)
  • Falk Laboratory School, Pittsburgh, PA (October 8, 2010)
  • University of Pittsburgh Introduction to World Music undergraduate recitations, Pittsburgh, PA (September 30 – October 1, 2010)

VII. Fellowships/Grants

University of Pittsburgh

  • Andrew Mellon Predoctoral Fellowship (2011–2012)
  • Japan Studies Research Development Grant (Summer 2010, Summer 2009)
  • Arts & Sciences Summer Fellowship (Summer 2010, Summer 2009)
  • Japan Iron and Steel Federation/ Mitsubishi Graduate Fellowship in Japanese Studies (2009–2010, 2007–2008)
  • University of Pittsburgh Teaching Fellowship (2008–2009)
  • Japanese Room Nationality Room Scholarship (Summer 2008)
  • Summer Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship (Summer 2007)

Southern Methodist University

  • Graduate Assistantship (2002–2004)

Duquesne University

  • Presidential Merit Scholarship (1998–2002)
  • Music Scholarship (1998–2002)

VIII. Languages

  • English (native)
  • Japanese (working proficiency – speak, read, write)
    • Studied at University of Pittsburgh, 2006–2009
    • Studied abroad at KCP International Japanese Language School, Tokyo, Japan, Summer 2008

IX. Research Activities and Field Study

  • Honolulu, Hawaii, United States (7 months: Spring 2012, Summer 2011, Summer 2010)
  • Tokyo, Japan (6 months: Summer 2012, Winter 2011–2012, Summer 2008)
  • Los Angeles/San Francisco, California, United States (2 months: Fall 2011)

X. Professional Affiliations

  • Association for Asian Studies
  • Percussive Arts Society
  • Society for Ethnomusicology

XI. Professional Skills

Audio/Video Editing:

  • Adobe Audition
  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Apple Final Cut Pro
  • Audacity

Desktop Publishing:

  • Apple Keynote
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word

Photo Editing:

  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
  • Apple iPhoto
  • Apple Photos

Website Development:

  • Wix
  • WordPress

XII. Website Development

taikosource.com (2013-2023)

  • Owner, Lead Researcher
    • Created and regularly updated informational webpages; coordinated the development of resources with other website contributors; organized audio/visual materials; maintained a group database; worked with partner organizations to organize events like online Question & Answer sessions

XIII. Event Photography/Videography

Photography:

  • North American Taiko Conference
    • Portland State University, Portland, OR, August 2019
    • University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, August 2017
  • East Coast Taiko Conference
    • Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, February 2019
    • Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, February 2018
    • Brown University, Providence, RI, February 2017
    • Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, February 2015
    • Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY, February 2014
    • Brown University, Providence, RI, February 2013
    • Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT, March 2012
  • High School Japanese Speech Contest, University of Pittsburgh (March 2016, March 2015, March 2013)
  • European Taiko Conference (Exeter, UK, February 2016)
  • Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania Annual Dinner (November 2015)
  • Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania Memorial Golf Outing (May 2015)
  • University of Pittsburgh UCIS Graduation Ceremony (April 2015)
  • University of Pittsburgh Department of Music Voices of Asian Modernities Conference (April 2014)

Videography:

  • North American Taiko Conference
    • Portland State University, Portland, OR, August 2019
    • University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, August 2017
    • University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, June 2015
  • European Taiko Conference (Exeter, UK, February 2016)
  • East Coast Taiko Conference
    • Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, February 2019
    • Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, February 2018
    • Brown University, Providence, RI, February 2017
    • Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, February 2015
    • Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY, February 2014
    • Brown University, Providence, RI, February 2013
    • Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT, March 2012
  • Society for Ethnomusicology Annual Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA (November 2014)

XIV. Volunteer History

The American School in Japan (2023-present)

  • Percussion Coach
    • Led private lessons and sectional coaching for middle and school band percussion students
  • Taiko Assistant
    • Assisted with after-school elementary taiko club

Dublin Taiko (2018-2023)

  • Assistant Director
    • Led rehearsals and performances for the largest K-12 Japanese drumming program in the United States
    • Wrote grant applications in support of concerts involving guest artists from Japan

Taiko Community Alliance (2013 – 2021)

  • Co-Board Chair (2021)
  • Co-Board Vice Chair (2020-2021)
  • Co-chair, Communications Committee (2020)
  • Board Member (2019-present)
  • Assistant Conference Coordinator, 2019 North American Taiko Conference (2019)
  • Member, Program Committee (2014 – present)
  • Member, North American Taiko Conference Communications Committee (2017)
  • Co-Chair, North American Taiko Conference Concierge Committee (2015)
  • Chair, Online Resource Content Committee (2014)
  • Member, Tech Resources Committee (2013–2014)
    • Chairman, Content Subcommittee (2013-2014)

Society for Ethnomusicology (2013-2015)

  • Member, Performance Workshop Committee, Japanese Performing Arts Special Interest group

Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania (2009-2017)

  • Nominated Co-Volunteer of the Year in 2013 and 2016
  • Co-founder, Pittsburgh Taiko
    • Ran recruitment drives, organized practice sessions/social activities, led workshops and lecture/demonstrations, wrote funding applications for program support and instrument purchases, organizes workshops and concerts by visiting artists
    • Assisted with development of TOMODACHI Ties Through Taiko exchange program
      • Assisted with program development, served as translator in August 2015 exchange program in Pittsburgh and chaperone for August 2016 exchange program in Mihama, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

XV. Performance Experience

Community:

  • Dublin Taiko (2018-2023)
    • Assistant Director
  • Pittsburgh Taiko (2009–2011, 2012-2016)
    • Co-founder      
  • Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra (2013-2015)
    • Section percussion

Professional:

  • Garland Symphony Orchestra, Garland, TX (2004–2006)
    • Section Percussion
  • Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra, Las Colinas, TX (2004–2006)
    • Section Percussion
  • The New Symphony of Arlington, Arlington, TX (2004–2006)
    • Section Percussion      

University:

University of Pittsburgh

  • University of Pittsburgh Gamelan Club (Fall 2009 – Spring 2010)
  • University of Pittsburgh Gamelan Ensemble (Spring 2008 – Spring 2009)

Southern Methodist University

  • Meadows Percussion Ensemble (Fall 2002 – Spring 2004)
  • Meadows Symphony Orchestra (Fall 2002 – Spring 2004)
  • Meadows Wind Ensemble (Fall 2002 – Spring 2004)

Duquesne University

  • Duquesne University Percussion Ensemble (Fall 1998 – Spring 2002)
  • Duquesne University Symphony Orchestra (Fall 1998 – Spring 2002)
  • Duquesne University Wind Symphony (Fall 1998 – Spring 2002)