Samba Band Advanced (MUSI30294)

This subject, an advanced progression of Samba Band, provides participants with a further opportunity for in-depth practical studies of hand percussion techniques and connected repertoire.  

Samba Band Advanced is a percussion-based subject that explores diverse rhythms and instruments that form part of Afro-Latin American musical culture. The material is based on African- derived drumming which over the centuries has continued to develop and flourish on the American continent.  

Some of the styles covered will include Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian 6/8 such as bembe, abakua and candomblé, rumba guaguanco and Afro-Puerto Rican bomba, among others.  

Classes will cover techniques on a variety of percussion instruments including congas, timbau, shekere, cencerro, cata, surdo, the role of the various instruments in the ensemble, as well as the development of selected improvisation styles.  

Participants will develop and prepare material, suitable for performance. 

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• identify and exhibit specific knowledge of a range of Afro-Latin American percussion ensemble repertoire;
• perform a range of selected traditional rhythmic patterns on a range of Afro-Latin American percussive instruments;
• participate with new developed hand percussion techniques as an ensemble member;
• rehearse and perform a selection of Afro-Latin American percussion repertoire in an ensemble context;
• showcase technical development as a rhythmic percussionist both in solo context and in ensemble repertoire;
• perform as a percussionist with a renewed understanding of the inner pulse of rhythm;
• showcase the capacity to participate effectively in collaborative learning as an ensemble member.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• communicate and work constructively with colleagues;
• respond openly to new ideas and challenges;
• demonstrate an open attitude towards contemporary cultural developments;
• critically and creatively engage with topics of cultural significance across the broader community;
• demonstrate, embody and adapt knowledge from different domains;
• work at various levels, both individually and as a team member, in a variety of environments.