Samba drumming is inherently energetic but in order to add even more liveliness to the drumming performance, many samba bands will move as they drum. This is a simple swaying in time to the music, free movement by each individual as they choose, or a much more complicated series of choreographed steps performed by some or all of the group in synchronicity.
When the Worldwise Samba Drummers are playing static - on the spot as opposed to parading - we use the same stepping motion for most of our pieces, one that many other samba bands also use. Across four beats we step as follows:
1. L R> right foot steps to the right,
2. L> R the left foot joins it,
3. <L R left foot steps to the left,
4. L <R the right foot joins in.
This stepping might seem fairly straightforward but even some experienced musicians find it difficult to drum and step like this at the same time.
In the past, we have played pieces for which we had different steps such as an arrangement of the candomble piece Oya and some of our samba funk pieces. Perhaps we will soon bring back some pieces using alternative stepping patterns.
There are also times during our set, when we abandon the stepping and move more freely, the extravagance of the movements determined by the confidence of each individual drummer. Some of our drummers like to wave their arms or rotate on the spot when they are not required for a particular section of the music. Others, particularly amongst the surdos, the biggest of the drums whose patterns are often more sparse than in other sections of the band, add their own movements in the gaps between their notes.
When parading, some bands will also match their steps to the timing of the music. However, this usually means that the band is moving at a slow speed that can put them at odds with the flow of the parade. For example, dance troupes up ahead may stop their movement and perform static for several minutes before moving off again at a fast pace to catch up with the rest of the parade. Whereas any vehicle floats who have been stuck behind the dancers can easily up their speed to make up the distance, a samba band moving at one step per beat cannot. As a result, we find ourselves having three different gears when we are parading - the side-to-side stepping described above when we are stationary, one step per beat when we are moving slowly, and a quicker walking pace, not necessarily in time with the music, when we need to close a gap in the parade.
At the time of writing, the Worldwise Samba Drummers have parades lined up for a charity event in Lytham, for the St Annes carnival and for the Bispham gala. For some of our drummers, these gigs will be their first experiences of parading. It has a very different feel to playing static not least because it can be tiring carrying a drum for an hour or two, especially if it is particularly hot, windy or wet. However, parades are an opportunity to be seen and heard by large numbers of people as part of impressive community events.
If you would like to find out more about joining the Worldwise Samba Drummers or booking us for a performance, please use the Join Us and Contact Us links on the website.
Comments