  Chris Quade Couto   Workshops: Rio Style Samba, Tamborim, Roda de Samba |
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Chris began his career as a musician as a child, and when he was only 15 he specialized in Brazilian percussion. He completed various training courses in Brazilian and Cuban percussion with lecturers such as Dudu Tucci and Ravin Jayasuriya, played in groups such as Pimenta Malagueta, Tim Sein Lada and Cologne Streetbeat, founded and directed the samba school Unidos de Colônia and Suco Legal and played percussion in the samba Funk band Muamba. Today he is the musical director of Bloco X, singer and percussionist of the Forró Trios Capangas, founder and percussionist of the Roda de Samba do Alemão and since 2004 he has played in the Bateria of Unidos da Tijuca (winner of the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro 2010, 2012 and 2014) and other samba schools in Rio. Chris is an endorser for Contemporânea instruments. |
 Meiko Meissner Workshops: Playing Technique, Surdo 3a Rio Style, Playing 3 Surdo's, Surprise |
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Meiko is a graduated drummer/percussionist (AmsterdamConservatory, Hilversum Conservatory, UM/DM). Working as a freelance musician / workshop leader in education, business, the private market and music festivals. In addition, regularly working as a teacher with various samba groups in the Netherlands and Germany. Makes regular study trips to Rio de Janeiro and Salvador da Bahia (including in 2008/2009, 6 months, drummed and learned at GRES Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel, Rio Maracatu, Monobloco). |
 Michael de Miranda Workshops: Samba Reggae Light, Timba, Agogô, Afro Samba |
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As a child music was a normal part of everyday life for Michael, although the idea of being a professional musician had not yet taken hold. He already had several instruments such as the piano, violin, guitar, bass and drums within his grip. It was in this house full of instruments that his father inspired him to learn percussion. Later on he also studied percussion at the music academy. South American rhythms have always had a special place in his heart. Harmonic instruments like piano and bass are to be played rhythmically. This is still Michaels passion: tense harmonies swingingly laid out. His interest is broader than just percussion and he plays a range of different instruments which you can hear in his compositions. |
 Willem de Gooyert Workshops: Rio Style Samba, Caixa & Repique, Samba Funk |
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Willem has been exploring Brazilian percussion for over 16 years now. In that time, he has played with many groups all over Europe, as well as having travelled to Brazil several times to study and play with some of the greatest baterias. Some of his highlights include playing and/or teaching in Uniao dos Paises Baixos, Gamberro, Bloco X, London School of Samba, Paraiso, G.R.E.S. Unidos do Viradouro, G.R.E.S. Academicos do Salgueiro, Unidos da Vila Isabel, and many more! He currently teaches at the Brighton School of Samba in his hometown, and loves to explore new techniques and rhythms, with a samba twist. |