Hull Samba offers the opportunity to learn an instrument and make new friends.
A new year is all about setting goals and trying new things. With many people deciding to lead a more active lifestyle, be more social and learn a new skill, Hull Samba offers an opportunity to combine all three through fun and creative music classes.
Hull Samba plays batucada, a percussive style of samba music. Members get together and perform as a carnival bloco, which is a colourful and lively parade street band designed to get people dancing.
Jay Moy, Musical Director at Hull Samba, said: “Each month in 2022 we will focus on a new piece, as well as maintaining previously learned pieces to build up the repertoire. Players will have the opportunity to try different instruments, learning how the simple (and not so simple) rhythms fit together to create intricate syncopated pieces.”
Learning an instrument comes with multiple benefits. Aside from being a fun activity, it has also been shown to help improve patience, memory, focus and overall cognitive ability. Meanwhile, playing music is a confidence booster and an excellent creative outlet, with Hull Samba making it a regular social event where you can meet people from all walks of life.
Mel Haynes was a member of Hull Samba for many years, before getting involved with organising sessions and co-ordinating gigs. Mel said:
“We offer a welcoming environment and encourage all newcomers to come and join our beginners class. Drumming is a fun and stress-busting activity, plus you can make new friends and learn a new skill with our experienced and supportive musical directors who will help you to develop your instrumental technique. You will learn some traditional Brazilian rhythms as well as original pieces developed by Hull Samba.”
Hull Samba meets at Trinity Methodist Church on Newland Avenue in Hull every Tuesday from 7pm to 9pm, with good disabled access and free parking available. Classes are informal and anyone aged 18 or over is welcome to attend. All instruments are provided and no previous experience is required. The group also sends regular reports to an organisation called Making Music, which tracks attendance and collates information in regard to coronavirus. In doing so, Hull Samba works in a Covid-conscious way and minimises the risk of infection.
Prices for joining Hull Samba are £26 per four-week month for waged people and £22 a month for the unwaged, making it an affordable way to learn a new skill and help to create vibrant musical pieces for the city.
Diana Tanase, co-organiser, added: “We welcome beginners and experienced players alike, and make sure everyone is learning to the best of their ability. If you can clap along or dance to a piece of music, we’d love for you to join us.”
To find out more, please email info@hullsamba.com or follow Hull Samba on Facebook and Twitter.