Many of those who love our sound, also dream of joining a band and playing samba, but wonder if they’re cut-out to be “samba people”. So what sort of people make up Sambando? Of our 25 or so active band members, some have been part of Sambando for many years, while others are just starting out. Some have prior musical or percussion experience, but most just encountered samba and fell in love! Here are a few examples of how members got involved and what keeps them samba drumming!
Ashley
I was bitten by the drumming bug many years ago playing the snare drum as a teenager, but since that time drumming was no longer a part of my life. Fast-forward to last year when I was given the chance to attend a Sambando taster session, and there it was, that drumming bug all over again. I love to see the joy on people’s faces when we play, and those tapping feet – it’s such a lovely gift to give to complete strangers and hopefully brighten up their day.
Chris
I used to be in a samba band years and years ago, and I recently realised how much I was missing it. A friend told me about Sambando’s try-out sessions, so I decided to have a go – and I got the bug all over again! I love it! I love the energy, the sense of connection and togetherness when we play, I love the music and the way I just can’t help dancing – and smiling.
Gill
I’m a founder member of Sambando from the last century! It’s given me so much more than the ability to play percussion. Fun, friendship and the unforgettable joy of taking part in vibrant community and cultural events in Leicester and beyond. There’s nothing like seeing a smile appear on the face of an exhausted marathon runner as they hear our sounds in the city.
Karen
Having seen a samba band in Portsmouth a few years ago I knew I wanted to have a go and when I had the opportunity to attend a Sambando taster session only a year ago, I knew I’d found the perfect place to be part of making such a joyful noise! The unique sound of samba is infectious, you can’t help but move and smile at the same time. I love rehearsing with such a great bunch of people, learning the pieces we play and then going out to spread that joy to our audiences. Wherever we play, people seem to appear out of nowhere to listen and jig along. It really is addictive, and I absolutely love it!
Raj
I joined Sambando 6 years ago after being mesmerised by their performance at the Riverside Festival. Joining Sambando went to the top of my list of things to do when I retired! I absolutely love the people in the band and we have a lot of fun, both during rehearsals and gigs. One of the highlights for me is the annual weekend retreat, where we may learn a new piece or have someone in to teach us some new moves. Tim, our Musical Director is brilliant and all of the members are a friendly, welcoming and fun-loving bunch!
Sally
I joined the band after seeing them performing at Leicester Caribbean Carnival – I thought that looks fun, and it really is! The sound we make when we all lock in together playing a piece is so uplifting and I’ve made some great friends for life.
Tim
I heard a samba band in Birmingham and from that moment was determined to get involved in this unique musical form. I had never played a drum before, but was totally hooked from my first taster experience. I love the energy of these driven Latin rhythms and the effect they can have on those who experience them. It’s also just brilliant how this same love of samba music connects all of the band members. A diverse and wonderful group of friends who I would have never met without Sambando.
Yvonne
I’ve been a member of Sambando for 3 years now. I’ve always been interested in drumming, was so happy to discover a local Samba band and was hooked after attending a Taster session. Sambando is a great band with supportive people and it’s been exciting and fun to learn something new. Performing, creating loud joyful music and engaging with the audience during gigs is always great fun – love it.