Swan Samba Frequently Asked Questions

The term bateria means “drum kit” in Portuguese and Spanish. In Brazil, the word is also used to describe a Brazilian samba band.

Samba originates from Brazil, but the rhythms can be traced back to Africa.

Samba rhythms are extremely syncopated, this means the rhythm has displaced beats or accents where you would not expect them, which gives Samba music a very distinctive vibe.

At around 104 beats per minute, Samba music is fast.

Initially the Brazilian Government saw Samba’s incorporation of African drumming as a link to Afro Brazilian cults and any Samba gathering was swiftly shut down, musicians arrested and there instruments destroyed. Today, Brazil recognise Samba as part of its cultural heritage.

Our talented drummers are available for bookings throughout Hampshire all year round. With the sound of our drums carrying for miles, we’re sure to attract a crowd and create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Our standard set typically lasts between 20-40 minutes, with the option to do multiple sets at larger events.

Typically we have 16-20 performers at an event but sometimes as many as 40 for a larger events. We require a reasonably sized area to perform in, but we can also play a smaller “bloco” set with just 5-6 performers for more intimate events.

For night-time performances, we use LED technology to light up our drums in sync with our infectious rhythms, creating an unforgettable and visually stunning performance.

Yes. This is expected of all class participants shortly after the trial sessions. There’s lots of support on hand to make the decision of your ‘spirit drum’ and what you wish to play in the band. This can sometimes be swayed by how many types of drum are already being played in the band. There are options available to purchase from the UK (to save on shipping) and lightweight adapted versions to those participants who are concerned on the weight of the instrument.

Swan Samba classes mostly run in Swanmore (Winchester district). However we’ve run pop-up class blocks and beginner classes in other locations and are very open to other locations, so long as there are enough participants signed up in one block to cover overheads.

Absolutely none! 99% of our participants (in all formats, so classes, workshops and training) have no prior drumming experience. We welcome all abilities, all learning types and ages 11

There isn’t a definitive timeframe as to when class members can perform with Swan Samba. This all depends on a mix of the type of event (ie we wouldn’t advise that beginners start with a procession or big event), how much a person practises at home, what type of instrument is being played and a whole host of other smaller factors. The best thing is to have an informal conversation with the band caller and come to a mutual agreement.

Totally not! All class members have outside commitments with work, family and friends and it is expected that class participants will miss a session here and there. It’s easy enough to catch up with things with band resources.

Swan Samba play in a black, branded t-shirt and hoodie (pull-over or zipped are fine). It’s recommended to also have a branded hat for sunny gigs. The band also have an optional blue ‘second kit’. Other options of grey and white are available but not official.

Yes. Instrument manufacturers such as Contemporanea offer lighter builds of surdo / bass drum. It’s also absolutely fine to play with the drum on a stand for class and is actually a really useful additional way in which to practise stepping, drum parts and coordination.

There are over 200 video, text and image resources made available to every fully enrolled class participant. We’re extremely proud of the accessible and fun support we’ve put in place for participants. These have been produced in-house and specifically tailored to the band’s content.

Little and often (a couple of minutes a day is fantastic!), on and off drum, in the air, on a practise pad / cushion and with the support of our many resources to help break down each song and each instrument part!

Any support or suggestions are always hugely appreciated. However, merchandise and uniform is organised via our affiliated school, Roynon Performing Arts. The school have been operating since 2010 and have a wealth of contacts and experience which includes uniform.

Have a chat with the members and the caller! They’ll direct you as to things to do and look out for, including tuning, how to store safely, how to decorate them and more.

This is an important learning point. There are both video and image resources available to help. But overall, really small turns, evenly distribute the tension, look out for buckling to creasing in the skin and don’t make huge sudden changes. Again, the caller will guide you through the process. There will also be additional, free tag-on sessions prior to a class where tuning is the specific focus.

There’s so many important reasons to get involved! We are a hugely supportive community of people that drum and move to support wellbeing and key life skills. Some drummers joined for the fitness element, others for the performance opportunities, others just to try something out of their comfort zone. Our content is unique and memorable and a fun mix of musical and cultural understanding, physical activity, community cohesion and having a bit of a laugh. Put simply, there is nothing else quite like a Swan Samba class!

Our workshops are delivered by qualified teachers with full QTS and DBS and are accessible and fun and differentiated to all ages, abilities and organisation types! We’ve run workshops in primary and secondary schools across Hampshire, Chichester and beyond, community organisations and corporate retreats. We’ve even delivered content for stag dos!