Samba band

A Samba band or samba is a musical ensemble that plays samba music. Samba styled music originates from Brazil.

The rhythm section of a samba band consists of drums is called a bateria.

Instruments

A samba band normally consists of Tamborims , Snare drums (Caixa), Agogô bells, Surdos, Ganzás / Chocalho (shakers), Cuíca, Timbal, Pandeiro, and the Repenique (often played by the leader for calls) whistles (at the beginning to give the samba a beat). The Apito is often used by the leader to signal breaks and calls. Other instruments have been added in many samba bands such as 4 stringed guitars, 6 stringed guitars, trombones and Singers. A small set of samba drums in the costs around £300. More expensive sets come with more drums enabling more players to join.

Tamborims and agogôs

Tamborims and agogôs

Agogôs

Agogôs

Cuíca

Cuíca

A surdo

A surdo

Performances

In Brazil many samba bands play in the yearly carnivals on open topped lorries.

Music

In Brazil bands traditionally play Samba (carnival rhythms of the samba schools of Rio de Janeiro). In other countries they now play reggae, funk, hip hop and Brazilian folk music. Like other drumming bands the music exceeds 130 decibels but often this attracts listeners. Some samba bands have eccentric costumes.