“3Do” is a percussion trio that translates the communal energy and explosive vitality of Samdo Garak (a traditional Korean percussion suite integrating regional rhythms from the Jeolla, Gyeongsang, and Chungcheong provinces) into the contemporary Western concert stage. While the original folk tradition is rooted in the organic interaction of the Janggu, Kkwaenggwari, Buk, and Jing, this session presents a highly individualized adaptation that bridges the gap between aural folk traditions and modern percussion performance. Rather than a literal transcription, “3Do” reimagines these ancient rhythmic structures through standard Western percussion instruments, preserving the essential “breath” and interlocking dynamics of the original while expanding its technical vocabulary.

A defining feature of this project is the deliberate integration of the 7-beat Chilchae rhythm. Although not traditionally part of the standard Samdo Garak repertoire, the addition of this asymmetrical cycle serves as a personal artistic intervention to enrich the work’s texture and provide a modern sense of momentum. This creative choice exemplifies how a contemporary practitioner can engage with cultural heritage not as a static artifact, but as a living language that can be shaped by personal aesthetic values. By navigating the tension between the fluid, aurally transmitted phrasing of Korean folk music and the precision of notated Western ensemble playing, “3Do” offers a roadmap for developing a unique artistic voice within the global percussion community. This session will feature a full performance of the work, showcasing how regional folk dialects can be transformed into a powerful, driving force for the modern percussion trio.