Q: Do I need to have any musical experience to join?
A: Nope! Just a basic sense of rhythm and a desire to learn.
Q: Can I bring my djembe or banjo, etc?
A: The band uses traditional samba bateria instruments and we supply all the gear.
Q: Will I get to perform?
A: Yes! If you learn the pieces and you want to perform. People tend to self-assess whether or not they’re ready, and for major gigs the leaders will let you know if you have the chops yet.
Q: Is it loud?
A: Oh yeahhh… BUT we have earplugs and most people bring their own each week as well.
Q: What’s the cost?
A: The first time is free and it’s $5 a week after that.
Q: Do you supply those cool-looking green Samba Nova shirts and white pants?
A: We supply shirts for people who perform but you’re on your own for the white pants
Q: Do I have to attend every practice/rehearsal?
A: People have busy lives; we get that, so no of course you don’t have to attend every practice but if you want to perform you should attend as many as it takes to learn your part. Keep in mind it takes a certain critical mass to make a samba band work so some degree of committment is important for your band-mates.
Q: Where does the weekly $5 go?
A: To T-shirts, drum heads, sticks and mallets, PA system and we also pay the leaders a small amount every week and for gigs. We balance our books as much as possible.
Q: Are there additional costs?
A: No additional costs – amazing eh?
Q: Is there an age limit?
A: We’ve had players from 7 to our current most respected member at 74 years. It’s not a great environment for kids due to the volume and the need to pay attention for long periods of time. That being said, we welcome everyone!
Q: Will playing in Samba Nova make me cool?
A: The coolest! Your friends will look at you differently after seeing you perform for the first time. True thing!