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The taiko competition last night was won handily by a pair of cocky, good-natured showmen of the ages 13 and 17. The elder reminded me quite a bit of a trombonist I'd known by association in high school, who for weeks before chamber music competitions practiced morning, noon, and after school in band hall - and for one stretch of time had a small, perfectly circular purple bruise on his mouth in the exact shape of the brass mouthpiece.

The younger danced and bounced about as if there were springs in his knees. He was gangly and smiley and grinned out at the audience at every turn with the absolute confidence of a child master.

I'm off to the souran competition. Wish us luck!