Samba

• What is Samba known for in South America?


  Samba is one of the most popular forms of dance music.
• Where does Samba originate from?


  Samba comes from Brazil.
• What are the key characteristics of Samba music?


  • Brazilian dance music
  • Instruments traceable to West Africa
  • Fast tempo
  • Usually in major or minor key
• What types of instruments are commonly used in Samba?


  Samba instruments include percussion, Portuguese guitar, saxophones, trumpets, and trombones.
• How do Samba bands vary in size and purpose?


  • Smaller bands for ballroom dance and samba canção
  • Larger samba schools for competitions
  • Dominated by percussion section (bateria)
• What is the name of the music played by the percussion section in Samba?

  The music played is known as batucada.
• What is the significance of Samba in Brazilian carnivals?


  Samba is a major feature of Brazilian carnivals, with schools competing for prizes.
• How are Samba schools judged during competitions?


  They are judged on their percussion performance and a song composed by the school.
• What are the characteristics of the SURDO drum?


  The SURDO is a large bass drum that sets the basic beat for the bateria.
• How many sizes of SURDO are typically used in a bateria?


  Three sizes of surdo are often used.
• What role does the CAIXA play in Samba music?


  The CAIXA is a bass drum that can create polyrhythms.
• What is the function of the REPINIQUE in a samba band?


  The REPINIQUE has a high pitch and is played by the leader of the bateria.
• How is the CUICA played?


  The CUICA is held horizontally and has a wooden stick inside that creates a pitch range.
• What is the TAMBORIM?


  The TAMBORIM is a small drum played with a single stick.
• What is the AÇOÇO?


  The AÇOÇO is a double cow-bell played with a stick.
• What are the main functions of the surdo in samba music?


  • Sets the basic beat
  • Comes in three sizes (small, medium, large)
  • Used for various rhythmic patterns and accents
• How does the repinique contribute to call and response in samba performances?


  The leader plays solo rhythms on the repinique, answered by the rest of the bateria.
• What is the purpose of the whistle used by the leader of the samba band?


  The whistle helps control the tempo and indicates when to start and stop.
• When is Brazil's National Samba Day?


  It is on 2nd December.
• How has Samba music been influenced by other genres?


  • Influenced by rock, funk, soul, and disco
  • Created new subgenres like samba-rock and pagode
• What is the role of contrasting rhythms in Samba music?

  Contrasting rhythms help build excitement and create a complex texture.
• What is the significance of the surdo de primeira in Samba music?


  The surdo de primeira sets the beat and emphasizes the second beat of each bar.
• How does the second surdo differ from the first surdo?


  The second surdo is slightly smaller and plays a more complex pattern.
• What is the function of call and response in Samba performances?


  Call and response creates interaction between the leader and the rest of the bateria.
• What is the apito de samba?


  The apito de samba is a bass-toned whistle used by the leader.
• How does the leader of the samba band contribute to the performance?


  The leader plays various percussion instruments and controls the tempo.
• How do the different percussion instruments in Samba contribute to the overall sound?


  They create a variety of contrasting rhythms and sounds, enhancing the music's excitement.