Mastering Samba Swing - Drum Workshop With Rob Arcari

Part of the Melbourne Samba Encontro - Mestre Rob helps you crack the secret code behind the irresistible swing of Samba and Brazilian music

In this immersive workshop, Mestre Rob Arcari will take you on a deep dive into the nuances of Samba's unique swing. Giving insight into how this unique way of timing the notes, gives so much feeling to the music.

As Brazilian tend to grow up surrounded by these unique rhythms, they often think nothing of it, when it comes to playing music with this special cadence. It comes natural when everything you hear shares this unique feeling. As outsiders to the Culture however, many non-Brazilians struggle to acheive this characteristic that's essential not only to samba, but many other Brazilian styles too.

Through more than 25 years of studying, playing and surrounding himself by this music and culture at the highest level, Rob has worked hard at overcoming these gringo traits, and has developed a unique way of imparting this knowledge to others.

The workshop will give participants a series of exercises in order to expand their understanding, and get the feeling into their hands and bodies. Entirely relevant for every instrument in the bateria, this ability to swing is essential for all players to level up their samba.

ABOUT YOUR TEACHER

Mestre Rob has been spearheading the Melbourne Samba scene for the last 10 years. He’s mestre de bateria of Bloco 3K (Melbourne) and Unidos da Cacatua (Aus/NZ). A passionate percussionist for more than 25 years, he's had the pleasure of playing and studying with groups across the UK, Europe, Australia & Brazil.

Over the past 8 years he’s been making an annual pilgrimage to Rio where he parades playing with numerous Escolas de Samba. He plays Repique with Imperatriz Leopoldinense and Repique de Bossa with Acadêmicos da Rocinha. He’s also paraded with Paraiso da Tuiuti, Império da Tijuca & Estacio de Sá, amongst other schools.

Rob is passionate about bringing authentic Afro-Brazilian percussion to Australia, and makes it his mission to get as close to the source as possible.

IMPORTANT INFO

Suitable for players with some experience and proficiency in at least one instrument.

Please BYO Instrument. If it's not possible to bring your own there will be some available to borrow on the day.

As workshop times are strictly 1 hour, they will start ON TIME, so please arrive early to check in.