* Don’t feel you have to get all the “proper” instruments before you start.
* Do enrol in some percussion classes.
* Do start with lots of rhythmic chants, exercises and dance steps with your group.
* Do make a note of those children who have an innate sense of rhythm and make them section leaders.
* Do be strict with noise; Brazilian bands are very disciplined.
* Do find two children who can do the agogo parts with a little practice - once they are cracking on, the rest will follow.
* Do have fun. As soon as you can grasp the basics, stand up and move around the room. Samba is not static. Dance isn’t separate from music in Brazil - it’s all part of the same thing. So get dancing as you play.
Rhythms to use
Break down the rhythms into really easy parts, for example:
* Soudo SAM (rest) BAH! (rest) (the leader also plays whistle).
* Agogo WOULD YOU LIKE A CUP OF TEA
* Hand drums ONE (rest) TWO (rest) THREE (rest) ALLIGATOR
* Maracas (shaking) UP, UP, DOWN, DOWN (make this very physical)
* Tambourine WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS (rest) OK!
* Create breaks from any other chants you know.
