Born in Brazil, samba music is based on rhythm rather than melody. A series of over-lapping rhythms played on a variety of drums, bells and shakers are directed by the band leader. Samba is infectious! Samba creates atmosphere! Samba is groovy!

Swindon Samba has announced its first, special beginners’ course in samba: The aim of the 5-week course is to teach samba basics including technique, and rhythm patterns, the grooves and breaks and the leader’s signals that orchestrate every performance, to get newcomers up to speed as quickly as possible.

After the 5 week course ‘samba students’ will join up with Swindon Samba to rehearse for a public performance in Swindon town centre, and be full members of the band.

The course, which has been devised by Swindon Samba leader and professional drum and percussion tutor Luke Winton costs £35 and includes five weekly sessions held at Isambard Community School from 7.30 to 9.00pm dedicated to new learners, course materials and a samba CD. The course is open to anyone, regardless of experience, aged 14 or over. There are 15 places on the course which will be given on a ‘first come first served basis’ upon payment of a £15 deposit.

Visit www.swindon-samba.co.uk for more information and to download the course booking form, or
call Jo Beal on 07966431467. For more details on course contact contact band leader Luke Winton on 07890761764.

Swindon Samba has brought samba rhythms to the local area since April 2010, when they played for the first time in Swindon Town Centre. Since then the band played throughout the summer at festivals and carnivals including opening The Big Arts day at Lydiard Park, and into the winter leading North Swindon’s Lantern Parade, cheering on runners in the Swindon Half marathon and helping to turn on the Christmas lights in Wood Street Swindon and Cricklade High Street.. We still welcome new members to join the band every first Wednesday of the month, but believe this special course will give people a good grounding in the samba basics, and the chance to get up to speed quickly.

Swindon Samba chairperson Jo Beal said “We’re already looking forward to another busy season of carnivals, fetes and community events, and hope that with the new members we’ll make an even bigger and better sound”.
You don’t need to have any experience – most of our members joined with no knowledge at all – and we’re all still learning by making mistakes and moving on”.

The course will run at Isambard Community School from Tuesday 15th March to 12th April, then course participants will be invited to the band’s regular Wednesday practice on 20th April before playing a gig together – there are rumours the band will be playing at a street party to celebrate the Royal Wedding on 29th April, to be confirmed!

For more information please see the Swindon Samba website www.swindon-samba.co.uk, email info@swindon-samba.co.uk, or phone Jo Beal on 07966431467