INTERESTED IN JOINING?
Apart from being a highly sought-after musical ensemble, Sambata provides an excellent venue for learning Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian music. Sambata fosters the development of new talents as much as it welcomes more advanced musicians to broaden their skills. Samba truly is the music for and by the people.
All new members of Sambata take an introductory samba class before taking part in the regular rehearsals. In this way, instead of too overwhelming, learning the new musical arrangements is easy and enjoyable. For this very purpose, our musical leader periodically hosts introductory samba classes, which are published on this webpage.
Currently, we are actively seeking new members who like to get this necessary training. Either start a new musical direction, or advance and broaden your musical skills, by signing up for a series of classes, taught by musical director Paul Bray and invited guest teachers.
To get more information on how to join or register, please send us an e-mail at
or call Michelle at (604) 873-4354or Lianne at (604) 873-2808
We hope to see you soon!
Printable Word version
| time /dates /location | course title and description |
| Wed, 7:00-8:00 pm Oct 1 - Nov 19 $80 @ Paul's studio |
Intro to Samba For those new to Brasilian percussion, this is an introduction to the tradition of Samba as played in the baterias of Rio de Janeiro. This course covers some history of the music and culture, basic instrument technique, responding to calls (chamadas) and playing a simple break. After this class, students may progress to the Samba Level One class and begin learning arrangements played in the performing ensemble. (8 Wednesdays) |
| Sat, 2:00-3:00 pm Oct 1 - Nov 19 $80 @ Capilano College |
Intro to Samba Same as above (8 Saturdays) |
| Thu, 7:00-7:30 pm Oct 2 - Dec 18 $120/12 $50/4 $15 drop in @ East Van loc TBA |
Level One Samba For players with a strong grasp of the material from the Intro class, this is an opportunity to refine technique and solidify your knowledge of the group repertoire. It is also a great venue for experienced players to develop skill on a new instrument. Previous experience playing Samba and an ability to recognize and respond to basic chamadas is a requirement! This level may be repeated before players are ready to move on to Level Two. (8 Thursdays) |
| Thu, 7:30-10:00 pm Oct 2 - Dec 18 $120/12 $50/4 $15 drop in @ East Van loc TBA |
Level Two Samba. For serious sambatistas. Building on instrumental technique and knowledge of arrangements from previous levels, Level Two works toward learning and refining repertoire for performances. Focus is on instrumental groove, ensemble blend, and performance techniques. Rhythms are played at increasing tempos and percussive arrangements for samba enredos – theme songs – become increasingly complex. Class moves at a fast pace and individual preparation and study of the material is necessary in between weekly classes. In addition, weekly instrument sectionals are recommended. (12 Thursdays) |
| Tue, 8:00 - 9:30 pm Sep 30 - Dec 16 $120/12 $50/4 $15 drop in @ Paul's studio |
Level One Afro-Cuban Percussion This course builds on previous experience with Cuban music, a familiarity with clave and basic conga technique. We will explore two distinct rhythmic styles from the Afro-Cuban repertoire and continue developing concepts and phrases used in call and response improvisations. Related song styles and movements will be briefly introduced. This level may be repeated as new rhythms will be covered each term. (12 Tuesdays) |
| Tue, 7:00 - 8:00 pm Sep 30 - Dec 16 $100/12 $50/4 $15 drop in @ Paul's studio |
Criss-Cross A fun introduction to a wide variety of percussion instruments and rhythmic styles from Cuba, Brasil, West Africa and America with a focus on drawing musical connections between the different cultures. Common rhythmic cells, musical techniques and theories exist between all music of the African diaspora and knowing a little about a few styles helps to learn others more expediently. This course is meant to be fun – yet informative – and help expand “rhythmic vocabulary” that will improve your playing in any musical setting! (12 Tuesdays) |