BRAZILIAN PERCUSSION CLASS
OVERVIEW
These classes focus on learning some of Brazil's many percussion ensemble traditions on Samba instruments. The goal of the group is to perform within the community and have a great time doing so. Therefore, our preparations are geared towards developing instrumental proficiency and our musical arrangements.
Some of the styles we draw from, include:
Each ensemble-rhythm is typically arranged using some combination of the following instruments:
Some instruments, depending on the style, have strict parts, while others have license to embellish and solo. However, every instrument is essential to groove's texture.
In addition to the groove, there are other elements that make up the arrangement / composition:
Lastly, the different styles / rhythms can be arranged to form a larger performance suite or ‘samba show’.
Some of the styles we draw from, include:
- Afoxe / Ijexa (Candomble)
- Baião (Forró)
- Frevo
- Hip Hop
- Maracatu
- Samba Afro
- Samba Batucada / Samba Enredo
- Samba Reggae
- Timbalada
Each ensemble-rhythm is typically arranged using some combination of the following instruments:
- Surdo and/or Alfia
- Caixa (Snare Drum)
- Repinique or Repique
- Timbao
- Agogo
- Tamborim
- Rocar / Chocalho (Shaker)
Some instruments, depending on the style, have strict parts, while others have license to embellish and solo. However, every instrument is essential to groove's texture.
In addition to the groove, there are other elements that make up the arrangement / composition:
- Call-in (to begin)
- Call-out (to stop)
- Breaks / Conventions
- Breakdown / Layering
- Introductory Section (i.e. ‘The Head’ / Da Capo, 'the top')
- Contrasting Sections (A-B)
- Variation Phrases
- Solos
Lastly, the different styles / rhythms can be arranged to form a larger performance suite or ‘samba show’.
FORMAT
When examining a given style of music, we generally take one of two approaches:
During SECTIONALS, the class collectively examines an instrument, it's technique, and part(s). If a part is too advanced then there are step-down options for students to build from.
During the OVERVIEW & APPLICATION portion of the class, the instruments and parts are delineated. We then talk through and rehearse the structure of the arrangement.
Everyone has the opportunity to learn and play any part. But once we start to progress as an ensemble, parts are thoughtfully delineated based on the personnel at a given class.
- SECTIONALS
- APPLICATION
During SECTIONALS, the class collectively examines an instrument, it's technique, and part(s). If a part is too advanced then there are step-down options for students to build from.
During the OVERVIEW & APPLICATION portion of the class, the instruments and parts are delineated. We then talk through and rehearse the structure of the arrangement.
Everyone has the opportunity to learn and play any part. But once we start to progress as an ensemble, parts are thoughtfully delineated based on the personnel at a given class.