BRAZIL
Brazil is one of the largest countries in South America. It is home to the Amazon Rainforest. Brazil was one of the last countries to abolish slavery in 1888. The World Cup and Olympics have been hosted in Rio de Janeiro. You can find out more about Brazil in the presentation link below.
MARACATU
Maracatu is the oldest music in Brazil. Maracatu was played by enslaved Africans in Brazil. They would play this music at their coronation ceremony. In Brazil, the enslaved Africans were allowed to elect a king that would serve as their liaison to their owner. This style of music is around 300 years old. Maracatu was almost lost because the music was passed down orally which stopped once slavery was abolished. It has since been revitalized by colleges in the United States.
Maracatu
Scott Kettner was one of the college students that traveled to Brazil to learn this style and bring it back to life. In this video, Scott breaks down the music for each instrument found in a maracatu band. He also promotes his book that takes the maracatu rhythms and applies them to the drum set.
SAMBA BATUCADA
Samba Batucada became the new style of music in Brazil after Maracatu vanished away. This new style was faster and featured lighter instruments made out of aluminum which increased their portability. This style of music kept many young people out of trouble and away from gangs that were starting to pop up in Brazil.
Samba Batucada
In this video, you will see the top samba school in Brazil. Mangueira has won Carnival, a large celebration with music and dance competitions, over twenty times. You will see the final leg of their parade to the end of the Carnival route.
Samba Batucada Arrangement
This is a simple arrangement of beginning Samba Batucada. There are three main grooves and a call and response section at the beginning. You can follow the form as written or you can make your own form. Feel free to make this arrangement special to your group. This arrangement can be adapted to a drumline or a percussion ensemble.