Keep the Samba Beat: Functions of the Drum Section Master in Brazil's Carnival by:Andre Skowronski
In every modern day orchestra, ensemble or larger band
, there is a conductor. In Carnaval and samba, we see the same phenomena at the drum section, called "bateria" in Portuguese. In Brazilian Samba-School drum sections, there is always an experimented musician in charge for conducting, maintaining, and providing vigor to the samba beat. This figure is called the "Mestre de Bateria" or "First Director" of a Drums Section. This expert on carnaval drums must obligatorily possess specific skills in samba rhythms. He should definitely know how to play all percussion instruments of the drum section; know how to harmonize sub-sections; have an amazing ear to notice eventual beats/rhythm mistakes; and must able to command the samba-school percussionists through gestures (the whistle and the wand are the most used). Also, the "Diretor de Bateria" must be charismatic and willful. Some of the most legendary Brazilian Carnaval Drum Section Master also have strong personalities, which helped them not only maintain the power of their samba beat, but make sure 'his percussionists' follow him along many years in his samba-school. Lets learn a bit more of this important figure within the Brazilian Carnaval, who is literally located at the heart of any parade or samba gathering!If you have ever seen the Carnaval parade in Rio, you have probably felt the intensity of the drums section. Many consider this segment of the parade, the most enthusiastic and vibrant, naturally. Now imagine that in each major samba school you can have up to 280 percussionists...Almost a full battalion! Thats why several drum masters and one "chief" or general Drum section Director is needed to coordinate this giant orchestra of percussion, which is the "samba-school bateria". The overall coordination direction of a samba-school drums section is formed by the chief-director and his three main assistants. This number may grow up to 10, since you may have sub-assistants for row of the percussion wing. Drum Section Directors, use different methods to conduct his group. As an example Mestre Andr, a renowned Drums Section Director from Mocidade Independente Samba-School in Rio, would not use whistle, just use the wand. He would incredibly command his samba percussionists dancing just ahead and along of the Drums Section, and make conventional signals to them. Most of the Drum Section Directors conduct their "bateria" facing their percussionists, similar to an orchestra conductor. Still, since samba has many styles, some Directors conduct their "baterias" looking at the same direction of their conducted (as giving his back). (As a note, samba players / percussionists are called "batuqueiros" in Portuguese, in a more informal language.)
In todays modern Carnaval scenario, the head of the Drum Section has a prestigious position within the samba-school. But, nonetheless to say, this prestige is conquered without sweat and blood: The Drumming at the parade counts as a full criterion for the Carnaval contest in Rio and So Paulo. This means that if anything goes wrong in the tuning, beat or harmony of the drums section, the samba-school can be penalized for that criterion. As a consequence, the Drum Section Master will be accounted for and questioned. On the other hand, if his percussion executes everything as planned, and they receive perfect scores, (full 10 scores) , his name will be associated with competence, professionalism and fame. Needless to say that due to Brazilian Carnavals recent professionalism, this position is also heavily disputed amongst samba-schools and some drum master are well paid in terms of salaries and bonuses. Review below some of Director/ Mestre de Baterias Responsibilities:
- Care for percussion instruments conservation
- Conduct the Drums Section at parades, events
- Organize and create disciplinary rules.
- Tune instruments, mainly the first, "surdos"
-Manage human resouces within the Drum Section
-Liaison with Samba-School directors
-Keep close contact to Samba-School composers
We also listed some of the legendary Mestres de Bateria / Drums Section Directors that literally made history in the development and establishment of this fundamental presence in the Brazilian Carnaval evolution:
- Mestre Louro - ( 1945-2009) - Salgueiro Samba-School
- Mestre Valdomiro - Mangueira
- Mestre Sula - Portela Samba-School
- Mestre Mug - Vila Isabel Samba-School
- Mestre Maral - Unidos da Tijuca Samba-School
- Mestre Andr - Mocidade Independente
- Mestre Bira - Mocidade Independente
- Mestre Aimorecy 'Imprio Serrano
About the author
Andre Skowronski is lover of the Brazilian music & partner of http://www.brazilcarnival.com.br. He created the 1st local site in English entirely devoted to Rios Carnaval culture, containing exclusive photos, samba glossary, muses directory & Rio Carnival guide. Traveling? Take your Houston Nanny by:Denise Weber Popular Activities in Carmel, California by:Jake Jacobson Best Himachal Tourism Package For This Season by:Vinod Sitara Travel to Meet the Queen of Beauty by:Tracy Barb Using Your Intuition For Travel Safety The Best Time For Vietnam Vacations by:Tom Nguyen Add Value to your Vacation with Travel and Recreation Coupons Offered at Coupons2Grab by:Sharon Lawrence Kopanya - A Colourful Ball for a Rainbow Nation by:Sam Walker North India Tours - Popular Tourism & Holiday Destinations of North India by:Rajesh Kumar Planning A Holiday In The UK This Easter by:Rachel Reed Go On A Huatulco Vacation by:Phil Minch The Arrival Of Summer Costa Del Sol Lodging Options by:Larry Austin