The Music Workshop Company Blog

Each month the Music Workshop Company publishes two blogs. One blog, written by the MWC team addresses a key issue in Music Education or gives information about a particular genre or period of music. The other blog is written by a guest writer, highlighting good practice or key events in Music Education. We hope you enjoy reading the blogs.

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To contribute as a guest writer please email Maria@music-workshop.co.uk

Posts tagged “SAMBA”

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Fanfarra (Cabua-Le-Le), Sérgio Mendes

Posted on 23rd July 2024 at 11:02

Sérgio Mendes as a young man in 1968 (Public domain/Arquivo Nacional Collection)

The Brazilian composer Sérgio Mendes has achieved major success both in the US, where most of his albums have been recorded, and around the world. The Grammy Award winner is notable for brining bossa nova to global audiences, and for having collaborated with a wide range of musicians spanning multiple genres over the years. We explore Mendes’ career, from his beginnings in the jazz clubs of Rio de Janeiro to his more recent musical partnerships.

Our activity this month focuses on Fanfarra (Cabua-Le-Le), a piece recommended in the Model Music Curriculum for Years 1-6.

Samba – The Heartbeat of Brazil

Posted on 16th February 2016 at 15:30

Samba is the most typical, important and recognisable music of Brazil. It is common throughout Brazil, but is most frequently associated with urban Rio de Janeiro, where it developed during the 19th and 20th centuries. It is celebratory music, frequently identified with Carnival and the exotic, feathered dance outfits. Rio’s football grounds will come alive with samba music and dance during the 2016 Olympics.

Drums of the World

Posted on 13th May 2015 at 14:30

It’s International Drum Month, and to celebrate, the MWC team have been exploring the world of drums – and the drums of the World.

There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of types of drum. They differ in sound, playing technique and materials, but also in their cultural and musical significance. Some drums have developed for dancing or performance music, others are vehicles for group experiences, meditative, celebratory and even military use.

A Year in Music Education

Posted on 15th December 2014 at 14:30

The Music Workshop Company has had a positive and exciting time in 2014. We’ve worked with participants we’d not met before, designed brand new workshops, revisited some of our previous clients and thoroughly enjoyed facilitating a whole bunch of creativity and music making.

Much of the recent emphasis on music and music education in the media falls on the lack of funding faced by professional musicians and music educators, and the failure to make space in the curriculum for this valuable educational area. MWC is passionate about music education, and determined to have a positive impact through music workshops.

The Samba Workshop – How it Works

Posted on 16th September 2013 at 15:30

Our Samba drumming workshops here at MWC introduce the instruments and rhythms of Brazilian carnival music. Participants form a Samba band using a range of traditional drums, and within half an hour can be playing exciting music together, achieving new levels of communication and performance skills and enhancing team building in an energetic, informal way. Samba drumming is a really inclusive way of creating music; perfect for participants of all ages and abilities. Add an experienced workshop leader and you have a session which is enjoyable and interactive right from the start.