Carl Tollander

Carl J Tollander

July 16,1950 to August 25, 2024

On August 25, 2024, we lost our beloved Sensei, Carl Tollander following a courageous battle with cancer. A longtime Santa Fe resident, Carl became involved in taiko drumming and the local Japanese cultural community. Carl traveled to Japan to study Aikido and later to learn taiko drumming from Taiko Master Sensei on Sado and Hachijo Islands, and in Tokyo. He performed with Smokin’ Bachi locally and then formed his own group, Santa Fe Wadaiko. In 2019 he traveled with his group to the National Taiko Conference in Portland, and during the pandemic Santa Fe Wadaiko thrived through group practice online.

Carl shared his enthusiasm for taiko through his teaching, performing, and drum building. He was a talented woodworker who helped students build their own drums.

He will be remembered for his calm and generous nature, the many lives he touched, and his invaluable contributions to the taiko community. 

Carl leaves behind his partner Cathleen Higgins, his students and performance group Santa Fe Wadaiko, along with many friends in Santa Fe and in the taiko community around the world. 

Celebration of life will be on September 25, 2024 at Rivera Family Funeral Home.  Services are from 4pm-6pm in the Kiva Chapel.  

Charitable donations in Carl’s honor can be sent to Smokin’ Bachi Taiko at 1000 Cordova Place # 327, Santa Fe, NM 87505.