SAMBA INSTRUMENTS

There are many different percussion instruments that make up a Samba group and they all play their own part in the ensemble. Here they are individually…

CAIXA

The Caixa is similar to a snare drum but usually smaller. It has has snares or strings running over the top of the drum which give it a sharp buzzing sound.

CUICA

The cuica is a Brazilian “talking drum”. The drummer makes the distinct “laughing” sound by putting a hand inside the instrument and rubbing a wet cloth across a resonating cane of bamboo.

SURDO

These are the large bass drums which provide the backbone of the band’s sound. We have three sizes of drum which are  tuned to different pitches – Top / Middle / Bottom. Their role is to hold the beat of the music.

REPENIQUE

These metal drums are tuned high and have a loud piercing sound. They are used to lead introductions and breaks and for soloing. They are played with either 2 plastic whippy sticks or, more traditionally with one wooden stick and one hand.

TAMBORIM

A small hand drum hit by a thin stick to make a sharp sound that cuts across all the other percussion. Often the Tamborim players lead the procession.

CHOCALHO

The chocalho in particular is a powerful shaker which drives the band along. They work with the snare drums, providing an important underlying sound.

AGOGO BELLS

The bells play simple tunes which ring out over the rhythms. They are one of the oldest Brazilian instruments originating in the ritual music of slaves from West Africa.

TIMBA

The Timba is a lightweight mellow hand drum that gives a rich tone.

PANDEIRO

The pandeiro is a kind of tambourine that has a single head and jingles (“pratinelas”) arranged in pairs around its frame.