Faculty & Classes

Bahian Percussion

A founding member and Maestrina of Banda Dida, Adriana will bring us the latest in Bahian percussion. Learn the rhythms of samba reggae from Salvador, right from the source!

Advanced Guitar

Brazilian Ensemble / Big Band

Choro

Choro is a vibrant and intricate style of traditional Brazilian music, often referred to as the "jazz of Brazil." In this class, we’ll explore the rich rhythms and melodies of Choro from a uniquely American perspective, making it accessible and enjoyable for newcomers. We’ll break down the style into manageable parts, focusing on easy Choro standards and its main subgenres. You’ll have the chance to dive into the basics of Brazilian tango, polka, waltz, schottisch, maxixe, samba-choro, and more. Through hands-on learning, we’ll guide you through standard tunes and help you develop a solid foundation in this captivating musical tradition. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just new to Choro, this class will give you the tools and confidence to start playing and appreciating this lively and soulful genre.

Vocal

Class 1 - Vocal Technique and Repertoire-In this class, participants will explore the aesthetics, vocal techniques, interpretation, and expressive qualities of Brazilian popular singing through a diverse repertoire of styles, from samba and bossa nova to choro and baião. A playlist and a songbook with 6 songs (melody, chord charts, lyrics and translations) will be shared with participants in advance. Topics will include: Vocal technique and warm-up, Interpretation and emotional expressiveness, Meaning and context of the lyrics, Pronunciation, diction, and regional accents, Rhythmic phrasing over various grooves in Brazilian music, Style. Open to singers of all levels.

Class 2 – Solo Repertoire and Feedback. In this class, participants will bring a Brazilian song of their choice to work on individually with Anna. After a group vocal warm-up, each singer will perform their piece and receive personalized feedback on phrasing, style, and interpretation within the Brazilian popular singing tradition. Singers are encouraged to bring their lead sheets and/or printed lyrics. Backing tracks are also welcome. Anna will bring some sheet music and songbooks for reference during class. This class does not have a performance at the end of the week. Open to singers of all levels with some experience in Brazilian music.

Pandeiro/Percussion

Advanced Pandeiro - The advanced pandeiro class will delve deep into the many Brazilian rhythms, as well as odd-meters, extended techniques. We’ll learn how to employ variations in Choro, Samba and Forró, and how to build solo ideas. We will take a look at several approaches to improve your groove and swing, and how to develop speed on the instrument.

Beginning Pandeiro - In this class you will learn the basics of good technique so you can develop a good sound, speed and comfort while playing. We will focus on all the common Brazilian pandeiro rhythms, exercises to increase your fluidity on the instrument and more.

Beginning Bateria

You will leave this class with the tools to build a solid foundation in samba bateria. Beyond learning the basic techniques for playing the instruments, we will explore how their rhythms fit together. Beyond the notes, we will decode the structure of a samba-enredo, the significance of hand signals, and what it all means in practice.

I will share the many tips, tricks, and lessons I’ve learned along the way to help you quickly build foundational skills—such as samba swing, endurance, and confidence—so that you can meaningfully contribute to your bateria back home.

We will also place samba within its historical and cultural context in Rio, discussing how we can apply this knowledge to build community, heal, and resist here in the US.

Pagode

Learn the fundamentals of how to play samba/pagode! No experience necessary but if you already have some experience playing I will make sure you leave the class with more advanced techniques, variations and grooves that you will be able to cultivate during the week to elevate your playing at camp and when you go back homer. We may or may not perform at the end of the week  b/c the class will focus more on learning and understanding  the function of each instrument within the "roda" (samba circle) so that you can start your own samba/pagode band when you go back home. All samba instruments are welcome including guitar, bass, keyboards and cavaquinho! Feel free to email Francisco if you have any questions regarding the class.

Advanced Bateria and Pagode

Mestre de Bateria do Acadêmicos do Salgueiro, Guilherme and his brother Gustavo will bring the latest from Rio bateria styles to Cazadero. They’ll also lead advanced instrument sectionals.

Songs of Guinga

Explore the music of one of Brazil's greats, Guinga, as he joins us for a unique experience. For guitarists, singers, and all instruments.

Advanced Bateria and Pagode

Mestre de Bateria do Acadêmicos do Salgueiro, Gustavo and his brother Guilherme will bring the latest from Rio bateria styles to Cazadero. They’ll also lead advanced instrument sectionals.

Beginning Guitar

Beginning guitar will focus on basic chords and rhythms found in Brazilian popular music.

The different concepts will be applied in learning songs from the great Brazilian song book.

Dance

During our samba de gafieira classes, we will connect with the elements that constitute the core of the gafieira, the principles that precede thinking about samba as a couple, thus learning the reasons and sensations for which one chooses to move in that way in samba (with vibration, fluidity, liquidity) building bases to dialogue and connect with oneself, with others, and with the culture and history of samba. As we dance alone and as a couple, we will learn the basic elements that constitute the formal language of samba de gafieira but always with room for improvisation, as the dance is alive and is created by those who dance. All Levels including complete beginners welcome.

Bata Ketu / Candomble song

Bata Ketu, a "Musical Interplay of Cuba and Brazil" is a project founded by Mark with Michael Spiro, with special participation by Jorge Alabê. All three will lead this class, focusing on the rhythms and songs from the cultures that shape so much of the music that Brazil Camp is about. For percussion and vocals. This class will focus on the relationship between Brazilian rhythms and other Afro-Centric music of the New World, particularly Afro-Cuban music. We will explore the relationship and commonalities between the folkloric and popular musics from both cultures, and see how they relate to and inform each other.

Bata Ketu / Percussion

Bata Ketu, a "Musical Interplay of Cuba and Brazil" is a project founded by Mark with Michael Spiro, with special participation by Jorge Alabê. All three will lead this class, focusing on the rhythms and songs from the cultures that shape so much of the music that Brazil Camp is about. For percussion and vocals. This class will focus on the relationship between Brazilian rhythms and other Afro-Centric music of the New World, particularly Afro-Cuban music. We will explore the relationship and commonalities between the folkloric and popular musics from both cultures, and see how they relate to and inform each other.

Dance

Mayombe Masai is recognized for his commitment to preserving and transmitting the traditions of samba, while also promoting a contemporary reinterpretation that engages with new generations. He invites each student to discover their own essence through dance, honoring their roots and celebrating their identity.

Bata Ketu / Percussion

Bata Ketu, a "Musical Interplay of Cuba and Brazil" is a project founded by Michael with Mark Lamson, with special participation by Jorge Alabê. All three will lead this class, focusing on the rhythms and songs from the cultures that shape so much of the music that Brazil Camp is about. For percussion and vocals. This class will focus on the relationship between Brazilian rhythms and other Afro-Centric music of the New World, particularly Afro-Cuban music. We will explore the relationship and commonalities between the folkloric and popular musics from both cultures, and see how they relate to and inform each other.

Portuguese

have been a Portuguese teacher for over thirty years. I understand that a language class has to be fun and relate to one's reality. This class integrates some grammar, language structure, and culture. It is about understanding the Brazilian life style, slang, and the language of the everyday life. We study a vocabulary that relates to what we do, and our lives and interests. A special attention is paid to pronunciation and consequently to the use of different muscles in the mouth.

We have students of different levels in the same class and everyone can benefit from it. Whenever possible, we work on songs and lyrics and whatever are the students' interests.

Orixás dance movement and Silvestre Technique

SILVESTRE TECHNIQUE, native to Salvador, Bahia, is a continuously evolving contemporary dance technique with the objective of conditioning the dancer through physical and expressive training regardless of level or prior training. Classes are accompanied by live music to further awaken expression and inspiration. All levels are welcomed and encouraged.

ORIXÅ DANCE MOVEMENT examines and interprets symbols, gestures and movements derived from Yoruba deities. We will be learning traditional dances/ movements as we identify their specific energies/traits in relation to the 4 elements :Earth, Water, Air, and Fire. silvestretraining.com

Dance - Beginning Samba

Beginning Brazilian dance will explore the diversity of Brazilian popular dances through movement and context. Learn universal dance technique and breakdown the basics of samba, samba afro, pagode baiano and more, in a welcoming and fun environment. Come enjoy your body and move with the music of Brazil!