OUR FACULTY
Last updated February 15, 2013. Bookmark this page to see any new information as it comes in. Look back at some of our past faculty!
2013 Session One
Ailton Nunes
Advanced Bateria
Ailton, as the current director of the bateria of Mangueira Escola de Samba, will give all percussion parts that reflect the current state of drumming in Mangueira at the present. The arrangements at camp will be of the samba enredo from Mangueira as well as a few others.
Alessandro Penezzi
7-string guitar and Choro ensemble
My Choro Harmony class will offer professional and amateur musicians a detailed harmonic study of Brazilian Choro. We will analyze some of the more common harmonies used in Choro and develop an understanding of their use in composition.
Ana Laidley
Samba Dance
Ana teaches an authentic Samba by integrating traditional and contemporary Rio Samba styles, including samba no pe, passista masculine e feminine and, samba de Malandro. Ana's class provides a space for people to develop their knowledge and understanding of the Brazilian culture and arts. This class will encourage participants to Samba with purpose! She has created a unique methodology that integrates elements of power yoga, movement therapy, and techniques that assist the participants to explore SAMBA. Her class is a high-energy, blast of fun that enables its participants to make a strong connection of body, mind, and soul. sambanmotion.com
Brian Davis
Beginning bateria
The goal of my class is to give students a good foundation in the basics of Samba Batucada (including syncopations, rhythms, entrances, exits) with exercises for technique and continued practice, and everyone up and playing. Good for developing and expanding what you know, plus an opportunity to learn new instruments. read more>
Capital
Beginning Bossa Nova guitar
Learn to play beautiful Bossa Nova classics on guitar. For all levels. Perfect for guitarists looking to learn more chords and right-hand patterns, and for singers who want to accompany themselves. capitalguitar.com
Carlinhos Pandeiro de Ouro
Pandeiro
I will be showing the students the various steps needed to play the Brazilian tambourine-the Pandeiro. We will focus on technique, hand positions, tuning the pandeiro, and playing various rhythms, at various tempos. Samba, baiao, and more. carlinhospandeirodeouro.com
Claudia Villela
Voice
Class one: Repertoire - Songs by Brazilian composers and different styles as Djavan, Chico Buarque, Guinga, Caetano, Tom Jobim, Edu Lobo, Claudia, TBA. Work on basic technique and delivery, pronunciation and feel. Little warm up, emphasis on the song itself. Accompanist provided. All levels. Class two: Vocal up! Total voice experience, from very slow melodies to fire fast rhythmic lines.Presence. Lots of improvisation, games, technique, and no lyrics songs by Egberto, Hermeto, Claudia, plus brazilian folklore songs. All levels.
Curtis Pierre
Percussion
Curtis Pierre Will be offering daily classes each on a different Samba and Brasilian percussion instrument, all levels are welcome. Agogo, Cuica, Reco Reco, Pratinella (Chocalho), Frigideira(frying pan), tamborim, Berimbau and a few more. casasamba.com
Francisco Marques
Beginning Samba and Pagode
My class is deal for those students who have little or no experience singing in Portuguese or playing traditional Samba/Pagode instruments. You will learn the fundamentals of playing the cavaquinho, violâo de Sete Cordas, pandeiro, rebolo, tantan, tamborim, reco-reco, repique de mao, and ganza in a samba ensemble. gingaband.com
Guinga
Songs of Guinga
A unique opportunity to be with one on the great composers/musicians in Brazil. Guinga's class explores his music, his approach to it, and the joy of making it. All are welcomed to participate. guinga.com
Jorge Alabê
candomble percussion and song
I will be teaching two classes - First, an advanced drumming for the orixas (afro/brazilian religious drumming) and then, a class on the songs that go with the drumming for the orixas. This class is open to all students. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone! jorgealabe.com• sambamasterclass.com
Marcio Peeter
Bahian Percussion / Samba Reggae
Hello and welcome to our BAHIAN PERCUSSION CLASS. Wagner and I are putting together a very good class for you. This year we will be working with all the NEW rhythms that were developed for Bahian percussionists in Salvador. We are happy to introduce advanced and beginner students to rhythms influenced by Samba Reggae and Afro, but have been modified in order to give more flavor to it. Go on " You Tube " and search for (Filhos De Jorge, Jau Peri) and you will love it. We are also going to work in lots of fusions of everything that we listen to in terms of music today, with a world influence. marciopeeter.com
Mauricio Maestro
Advanced Ensemble
Mauricio Maestro: Vocalist, guitar and bass player, arranger and composer. Play and sing brazilian rhythms and harmonies with the leader and arranger of one of the best brazilian vocal groups: Boca Livre. Mauricio will teach how to harmonize in four parts vocals, and how to sing and play independent rhythm paterns. He will also give exercises to improve the ear training for beginers of vocal practice. The students, booth beginers and advanced, will play and sing together some original Boca Livre arrangements. mauriciomaestro.com
Michael Spiro
Batá Kêtu
BataKetu is a class that demonstrates and explores the relationship between Afro-Brazilian and Afro-Cuban music. It focuses primarily on the music (both song and percussion) of the Orixas/Orishas, but also includes secular music as well, including samba, pagode, rumba, songo, and so forth. michaelspiro.com • sambamasterclass.com
Monica Golcwajg
Portuguese
I have been a Portuguese teacher for over thirty years. I understand that a language class has to be fun and relate to one's reality. This class integrates some grammar, language structure, and culture. It is about understanding the Brazilian life style, slang, and the language of the everyday life. We study a vocabulary that relates to what we do, our lives and interests. A special attention is paid to pronunciation and consequently to the use of different muscles in the mouth.
We have students of different levels in the same class and everyone can benefit from it. Whenever possible, we work on songs and lyrics and whatever are the students' interests.
Renata Secco
Beginning Samba dance
My class introduces students to the basic samba (samba no pe) as well as learning to coordinate body movements with the fast rhythms of Brazilian samba music. It adds twists, turns, shaking and style to the motions and basic samba steps. I will break it all down for you in an "easy to follow format". This is great class for first-time students and for returning students who want extra practice and more repertoire.
Rodson de Jesus
Afro-Brazilian Dance, Samba Reggae
MixBrazil is a dance class where I bring influences of afro-brazilian rhythms together with dances of the streets of Bahia. Intermediate to advanced.
Ronaldo Andrade
Pagode and Cavaquinho
I plan on covering all main samba and pagode composers, such as Zeca Pagodinho, Martinho da Vila, Beth Carvalho, Paulinho da Viola, Almir Guineto as well as some Samba enredos.
Rosangela Silvestre
Orixas dance movement and
Silvestre Technique
SILVESTRE TECHNIQUE, native to Salvador, Bahia, is a continuously evolving contemporary dance technique with the objective of conditioning the dancer through physical and expressive training regardless of level or prior training. read more>
Scott Kettner
Drumset
Northeastern drum set classes will explore chapters from my book "Maracatu for Drumset and Percussion". We will begin by learning the traditional maracatu grooves and instruments and how they are played by the traditional maracatu groups. Using 4-way coordination and groove technique we will orchestrate these polyrhythmic voices melodically around the drum kit and discuss concepts for applying these rhythms in a jazz, funk or rock context. We will explore the parallels that these rhythms share with New Orleans music as well as discuss other rhythms from Pernambuco such as forro, baiao and coco and how to apply them to the drum set. I will also introduce concepts for developing your "swing feel" in a Brazilian and New Orleans context. scottkettner.com
Sidney Nicol
Yoga
The body is looked upon as the primary instrument that enables us to work, evolve and express ourselves in the world (ie. dancing and playing music!). The intention of these yoga classes during Brazil Camp is to tap into pure and free flowing creative expression. read more>
Wagner Profeta Santos - Wag DoGroove
Bahian Percussion / Samba Reggae
Hello and welcome to our BAHIAN PERCUSSION CLASS. Wagner and I are putting together a very good class for you. This year we will be working with all the NEW rhythms that were developed for Bahian percussionists in Salvador. We are happy to introduce advanced and beginner students to rhythms influenced by Samba Reggae and Afro, but have been modified in order to give more flavor to it. Go on " You Tube " and search for (Filhos De Jorge, Jau Peri) and you will love it. We are also going to work in lots of fusions of everything that we listen to in terms of music today, with a world influence. We are looking forward to CBC-2013 Peace!
2013 Session Two
Ailton Nunes
Advanced Bateria
Ailton, as the current director of the bateria of Mangueira Escola de Samba, will give all percussion parts that reflect the current state of drumming in Mangueira at the present. The arrangements at camp will be of the samba enredo from Mangueira as well as a few others.
Alessandro Penezzi
7-string guitar and Choro ensemble
My Choro Harmony class will offer professional and amateur musicians a detailed harmonic study of Brazilian Choro. We will analyze some of the more common harmonies used in Choro and develop an understanding of their use in composition.
Ana Laidley
Samba Dance - All week!
Ana teaches an authentic Samba by integrating traditional and contemporary Rio Samba styles, including samba no pe, passista masculine e feminine and, samba de Malandro. Ana's class provides a space for people to develop their knowledge and understanding of the Brazilian culture and arts. This class will encourage participants to Samba with purpose! She has created a unique methodology that integrates elements of power yoga, movement therapy, and techniques that assist the participants to explore SAMBA. Her class is a high-energy, blast of fun that enables its participants to make a strong connection of body, mind, and soul. sambanmotion.com
Beto Guimaraes
Northeastern Dance
Maracatu class: 17th century dance brought to Pernambuco from the Congolese which celebrates the coronation of the King of Congo. Beto incorporates the Orixas as well as the traditional props such as galungas (dolls), pavilions and parasols. Frevo class: A relative of Capoeira, acrobatic, ecstatic, over 100 years old, it is very popular dance for Carnaval in Olinda and Recife! Recently inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Beto's classes will focus on the traditional movements and uses the umbrellas. Danca da sombrina is also used. betoguimaraes.org
Carlinhos Pandeiro de Ouro
Pandeiro
I will be showing the students the various steps needed to play the Brazilian tambourine-the Pandeiro. We will focus on technique, hand positions, tuning the pandeiro, and playing various rhythms, at various tempos. Samba, baiao, and more. carlinhospandeirodeouro.com
Carol Bach-y-Rita
Beginning Samba Dance
This class will be geared for the very beginner, and also for those looking to discover the ease and delight of samba! We will be slowing it way down in order to feel and understand the rhythms and movements. The focus will be less about choreography, and more about helping each of you "get it". You can samba! And do so with ease and grace and joy. carolbsamba.com
Chico Pinheiro
Advanced Guitar
In the advanced guitar class, we will explore the universe of Brazilian music, including its influences, styles and trends, focusing particularly on (1) the guitar and its importance and role in this universe.
(2) the guitar vocabulary used in song and instrumental music today in Brazil, applying it to composition, comping and improvisation. read more>
Curtis Pierre
Percussion
Curtis Pierre Will be offering daily classes each on a different Samba and Brasilian percussion instrument, all levels are welcome. Agogo, Cuica, Reco Reco, Pratinella (Chocalho), Frigideira(frying pan), tamborim, Berimbau and a few more. casasamba.com
Ian Faquini
Beginning guitar
Beginning guitar will focus on basic chords and rhythms found in Brazilian popular music. The different concepts will be applied in learning songs from the great Brazilian song book.
Francisco Marques
Beginning Samba and Pagode
My class is deal for those students who have little or no experience singing in Portuguese or playing traditional Samba/Pagode instruments. You will learn the fundamentals of playing the cavaquinho, violâo de Sete Cordas, pandeiro, rebolo, tantan, tamborim, reco-reco, repique de mao, and ganza in a samba ensemble. gingaband.com
Guinga
Songs of Guinga
A unique opportunity to be with one on the great composers/musicians in Brazil. Guinga's class explores his music, his approach to it, and the joy of making it. All are welcomed to participate. guinga.com
Jorge Alabê
Candomble percussion and song
I will be teaching two classes - First, an advanced drumming for the orixas (afro/brazilian religious drumming) and then, a class on the songs that go with the drumming for the orixas. This class is open to all students. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone! jorgealabe.com• sambamasterclass.com
Kristin Porter
yoga
Awaken the body and enliven the spirit each morning through yoga. Whatever your level of experience, we welcome you to show up for asana practice among the redwoods. Together we will work Kundalini (awareness) breath work integrated with easy to follow asana (physical) postures. Kundalini Yoga is a dynamic form of yoga that awakens awareness. It uses sets of yogic postures and movements (asana) with meditative focus, breath work (pranayama), and chanting (mantra). read more>, more info
Marcio Peeter
Bahian drum ensemble
In the second session we will focus directly on more traditional rhythms of Bahia with Afro-Brazilian influences. These traditional rhythms consist of: Samba Duro, Samba de Roda, Samba Xula, and Bahian Merengue. Traditional music from the Bahian Reconcavo (basin) will also be introduced, as well as elements of the "soul" or "black" music of Salvador. Rhythms from the Afro blocos and Afoxes from Salvador portraying the Candomble influence in Samba Afro and Samba Reggae along with OUR original rhythms and breaks that will also be introduced to you all. marciopeeter.com
Mark Lamson
Beginning Bateria
The Beginning bateria class will focus on: instrument technique and ensemble playing of various styles of samba from Rio; emphasis on the proper feel and swing along with developing endurance by playing straight for long periods of time. The goal of the class will be to quickly get students ready for assimilation into more advanced playing situations. Changing instruments will be encouraged. Advanced players are invited to attend in order to develop their 2nd, 3rd and 4th instruments. marklamson.com, solemarevents.com
Mauricio Zottarelli
drumset
I will be showing you a variety of Brazilian rhythms applied on the drumset, including, but not limited to: Samba, Bossa, Baião, Maracatú, Ijexá, Samba-funk, Samba-reggae, and others. We will address the technique and coordination necessary for playing the styles comfortably. Other topics will include: studying guidelines, basic and advanced coordination (Brazilian styles and beyond), phrasing, sound and dynamics, "hybrid" grooves, and playing musically both in ensemble form and solo. We'll also cover some personal tips and variations I use on different playing situations. www.mzdrums.com
Monica Golcwajg
Portuguese
I have been a Portuguese teacher for over thirty years. I understand that a language class has to be fun and relate to one's reality. This class integrates some grammar, language structure, and culture. It is about understanding the Brazilian life style, slang, and the language of the everyday life. We study a vocabulary that relates to what we do, our lives and interests. A special attention is paid to pronunciation and consequently to the use of different muscles in the mouth. We have students of different levels in the same class and everyone can benefit from it. Whenever possible, we work on songs and lyrics and whatever are the students' interests.
Moyseis Marques
Vocal
We`re going to explore the Brazilian Popular Music itself. Exchange experiences, checking recordings out , timbres, voices combinations. For those who want to, voice warm ups and vocal tecniques, breathing, especially for beginers. Repertoire for the pros, vocal adequacy for the brazilian music, phrasing , assembly of little emsembles and performances with duos, trios and solos. And the most important thing , having fun with our voices, desmystifying and humanizing the singer, making ourselves believe that it's possible.
Rodrigo Ursaia
Beginning Choro, Flute
In flute and woodwind class we will explore the great repertoire of brazilian choros by Pixinguinha and Jacob do Bandolim as well as works by master composers Hermeto Pascoal, Guinga and Egberto Gismonti. Emphasis will be given on rhythmic, interpretation and articulation aspects that comprise the brazilian styles, as well as ideas on how to develop improvisations through this musical language. In beginner choro class we will be looking into the vast repertoire of choro classics, concentrating on the less complicated, yet extremely beautiful and ingenious, well known pieces.
Ronaldo Andrade
Pagode and Cavaquinho
I plan on covering all main samba and pagode composers, such as Zeca Pagodinho, Martinho da Vila, Beth Carvalho, Paulinho da Viola, Almir Guineto as well as some Samba enredos.
Rosangela Silvestre
Orixas dance movement and Silvestre Technique
SILVESTRE TECHNIQUE, native to Salvador, Bahia, is a continuously evolving contemporary dance technique with the objective of conditioning the dancer through physical and expressive training regardless of level or prior training. read more>
Spok
Big Band Frevo
Frevo is a genre of music that was created on the streets of Recife (capital of Pernambuco state, in northeastern Brazil) at the beginning of the last century. We will explore its origin, history, background, compositions, modalities (types of frevo), phrasing (melodies that are part of frevo), instruments with their function in the frevo structure, orchestration (how to distribute the tunes for instruments within the frevo), its repertoire and its main songwriters. read more>
Wagner Profeta Santos - Wag DoGroove
Bahian percussion
In the second session we will focus directly on more traditional rhythms of Bahia with Afro-Brazilian influences. These traditional rhythms consist of: Samba Duro, Samba de Roda, Samba Xula, and Bahian Merengue. Traditional music from the Bahian Reconcavo (basin) will also be introduced, as well as elements of the "soul" or "black" music of Salvador. Rhythms from the Afro blocos and Afoxes from Salvador portraying the Candomble influence in Samba Afro and Samba Reggae along with OUR original rhythms and breaks that will also be introduced to y'all.