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FARMINGDALE — Hall-Dale High School’s Taiko drumming group practices for its upcoming performance during the Hallowell Fire Department’s annual Christmas tree bonfire set for Jan. 3, 2026, in Granite City Park, on Water Street.

Christmas trees can be dropped off between 3 and 4:45 p.m. A bonfire and refreshments will follow.

The group is lead by Brandon Wilson, who played in the Taiko group from 2007-10 when he was a student at the school. The group was founded in 2007 by now-retired Japanese language teacher Naoto Kobayashi.

Hall-Dale High School’s Taiko drumming group rehearses Dec. 11 at Hall-Dale High School in Farmingdale. The group uses tires during practice to save wear and tear on the drums.
Brendan Wilson, leader of Hall-Dale High School’s Taiko drumming group, advises Dezi Watson, right, as she practices Dec. 11 at Hall-Dale High School in Farmingdale.
Alyssa Basinger, left, and Dezi Watson, Hall-Dale High School Taiko drumming group members, practice Dec. 11 at Hall-Dale High School in Farmingdale.
Dezi Watson, from left, Alyssa Basinger, Aster Lemieux and Brendan Wilson practice choreography without drums for a song where they rotate around a set of drums during a practice Dec. 11 at Hall-Dale High School in Farmingdale.
Taiko drum group members rehearse a song where they rotate around a set of drums during a practice Dec. 11 at Hall-Dale High School in Farmingdale.
Brendon Wilson, Taiko drum group instructor, right, rehearses a number with members where they rotate around a set of drums during a practice Dec. 11 at Hall-Dale High School in Farmingdale.

Joe Phelan is an award winning journalist who makes photos and videos around the capital area for the the Kennebec Journal, Morning Sentinel and the other Masthead Maine publications. Joe’s first journalism...