Getting Started

What it takes to get started with Samba Ottawa Community Band

• Show up!

• Choose a rhythm instrument.

• Start playing.

Okay, it's not quite that easy, but close! Once you've chosen something to play (BTW, you can always try other instruments later), put in some ear plugs and stand in with the section that plays that instrument. Each section has a leader who has likely already introduced themselves to you. First, watch the general pattern of what the leader is doing. Then see if you can follow along.  Play a simpler version at first or "air play" until you feel comfortable.

For each piece we do, there is a basic pattern that is played most of the time.  Every so often you will notice the maestra blow a whistle and/or use a hand signal.  When you see this stop playing. 
This is the signal that a "break" is about to happen.  A break is exactly what it sounds like.  The band stops playing the basic pattern, plays something different for a bit, and then resumes the basic pattern again.  Eventually, through practise with the band, sectionals and time at home with your instrument and the help of our website, you will learn exactly when to stop, what to play in the break, and when and how to return to the main pattern.  For now, just watch what others do and once the band is back in to the basic pattern join in again.

The wonderful thing about samba is that it is made up of relatively simple patterns  that are not too difficult to learn.  It is the layering of these patterns from the five sections that gives this Brazilian music it's wonderful energy, vibrancy, and exciting sound.  So with no musical training you very quickly feel a part of this amazing experience!  Toss in the fact that the people are warm, welcoming and have great fun together and you've got a combination that's hard to resist.

What it takes to gig with the Samba Ottawa

So you've been coming out to practices for a few weeks and you keep hearing the Maestra talk about preparing for a gig at this park, or that parade, or some event.  You may have even joined after watching us perform. The next few paragraphs tell you how to prepare so your section leader can give you the go-ahead to join us at a gig.

Your best friend is our website samba-ottawa.org. Besides explanations of the various instruments and their part in samba,  every piece in our repertoire is there complete with accompanying audio recordings, some video, and notation for the basic patterns and all the breaks.

The three things it takes to achieve gigging status are practice, practice, and practice. This requires:

• Showing up for band practices on a regular basis

• Attending sectionals held by your section leader, and

• Carving out time at home

Set small goals for yourself and spend time learning, repeating, and memorizing until you've accomplished that goal. For example, let's say you've set as your goal to learn the basic pattern for Batucada X:

1. Listen, watch, and try it on at a practice as described in "What it takes to get started with Samba Ottawa”.

2. Take your instrument home and head to the website.

3. Follow the appropriate links and listen and play along with the recordings and notations for that pattern.

4. Once you know the pattern, make sure you can start and end it at the appropriate time.

    

If you have questions or need help, your section leader is your go-to person.  This is also the person who will ultimately decide when you are ready to gig.

The process of learning obviously depends on how much time you are able to devote to it, but plan on at least six months to get the patterns and breaks under your belt and expect longer to feel really at ease.  Many, if not most, of the gigging members of the band practise at home weekly to improve and maintain technique and familiarity with the material.

Without a doubt, it is great fun to play with the band at practices. However, watching the enthusiasm and joy on the faces in the crowd and the impossibility of on-lookers to stop themselves from moving to our sound is SO rewarding. Yes, it means giving more to the experience of learning but the return is priceless.