OUR FACULTY
We're still working on the faculty lineup for 2024. Here's the great group we had in 2023. Bookmark this page to see any new information as it comes in. Look back at some of our otherpast faculty!
2023 Session One
Alessandro Penezzi
Advanced choro ensemble, advanced guitar
My Choro Harmony class will offer professional and amateur musicians a detailed harmonic study of Brazilian Choro. We will analyze some of the more common harmonies used in Choro and develop an understanding of their use in composition.
Ami Molinelli
Pandeiro
In addition to technique we will focus heavily on choro-listic stylings of playing the instrument. We will play differing technical styles and rhythms such as: choro, maxixe, baião, côco, xaxado, marcha, frevo as well as samba. In addition to traditional choro and funk we will take a look at traditional breaks, odd meters like samba in 3 or 7, 6/8 and more.
Curtis Pierre
Beginning Bateria
Class description coming soon.
Fabiana Cozza
Vocal
Through 20 years of researching and studying music and song itself, I have experimented with techniques that reveal the unique and rare instrument that inhabits each one of us, and that puts us in contact with the other actors of the scene, with the public, physical space itself, our creative potential, ourselves.
The "Body of the Voice" workshop helps participants discover their own voices, and the place of their uniqueness, through an investigation of the body, the sensations and emotions that are born from the action, exploring the body of the interpreter.
We will discuss the positioning necessary for a good body alignment so that the singing is produced free of tensions and the student is able to realize his vocal movements in a sensible, true, conscious way.
Guilherme dos Santos Oliveira
Advanced Bateria and Pagode
Mestre de Bateria do Acadêmicos do Salgueiro, Guilherme and his brother Gustavo will bring the latest from Rio bateria styles to Cazadero.
Guinga
Songs of Guinga
Explore the music of one of Brazil's greats, Guinga, as he joins us for a unique experience. For guitarists, singers, and all instruments. guinga.com
Gustavo dos Santos Oliveira
Advanced Bateria and Pagode
Mestre de Bateria do Acadêmicos do Salgueiro, Gustavo and his brother Guilherme will bring the latest from Rio bateria styles to Cazadero.
Jorge Alabê
Candomble percussion and song
Jorge will be teaching two classes - First, an advanced drumming for the orixas (afro/brazilian religious drumming) and then, a class on the songs that go with the drumming for the orixas. This class is open to all students. jorgealabe.com• sambamasterclass.com
Julio Lemos
Beginning guitar and Beginning choro
Julio Lemos will work with the accompaniment on Brazilian acoustic guitar, 6 and 7 strings, the rhythms patterns and its variations over Maxixe, Choro, Samba-Canção, Samba, Bossa Nova, Baião, Frevo, Marcha Rancho, Xote. You will understand it principles and mains characteristics. Introduction for the language of the 7 string guitar with “baixarias” (counterpoint lines on bass lines) over the accompaniment. Also on this class we will play and analyze the main characteristics of the melody and the accompaniment and its variation on the guitar over tree different Brazilian genres: Samba-Canção, Baião, and Bossa-Nova over the Brazilian composers: Cartola, Dominguinhos and Tom Jobim.
Kellyn Rosa
Dance - Advanced Samba
Class description coming soon.
Marcela Rabelo
Northeastern Dance
Class description coming soon.
Monica Golcwajg
Portuguese
I have been a Portuguese teacher for over thirty years. I understand that a language class has to be fun and relate to one's reality. This class integrates some grammar, language structure, and culture. It is about understanding the Brazilian life style, slang, and the language of the everyday life. We study a vocabulary that relates to what we do, and our lives and interests. A special attention is paid to pronunciation and consequently to the use of different muscles in the mouth.
We have students of different levels in the same class and everyone can benefit from it. Whenever possible, we work on songs and lyrics and whatever are the students' interests.
Pitoco de Airá
Maracatu Percussion Ensemble
For this week at camp Pitoco will cover the baques and feel of maracatu de baque virado in the style of Estrela Brilhante, as well as teaching various songs and breaks, for all the traditional instruments: alfaia, caixa, agbê, and gonguê.
Rosangela Silvestre
Orixas dance movement and Silvestre Technique
SILVESTRE TECHNIQUE, native to Salvador, Bahia, is a continuously evolving contemporary dance technique with the objective of conditioning the dancer through physical and expressive training regardless of level or prior training. In 1982, ROSANGELA SILVESTRE began the early stages of developing her technique, which over time has developed into a series of exercises working to train the mind, body, and spirit. Exercises are based upon fundamental Afro-Brazilian symbols and gestures, the four elements of nature(Earth, Water, Air, fire), the chakras (points of energy in our bodies) and the 3 triangles(intuition, expression and balance). Classes are accompanied by live music to further awaken expression and inspiration. All levels are welcomed and encouraged.
ORIXA DANCE MOVEMENT examines and interprets symbols, gestures and movements derived from Yoruba deities. We will be learning traditional dances/ movements as we identify their specific energies/traits in relation to the 4 elements :Earth, Water, Air, and Fire.
Spok
Big Band Frevo, Forro, Festa Junina
Spok’s classes will focus on music from two of the main holidays celebrated in the state of Pernambuco in the Northeast of Brazil: Carnaval and São João (Festa Junina). The morning class will focus on Frevo, one of the main genres of music of Carnaval; the afternoon class will focus on the music played during Festa Junina (at Winter Solstice). Classes will explore the origins, history, compositions, sub-genres, phrasing, language, and the classic repertoire (instrumental and vocal) and composers of Frevo and Forró,
Sidney Nicol
Yoga
Start the day with an energized body and a focused mind. We will practice a flowing sequence of poses coordinated with the breath and take time to connect with the peaceful nature around us. Special attention will be focused on releasing tension in overworked hands shoulders & forearms (esp helpful for musicians) as well as deep stretches aimed at working out body aches from high intensity fitness while increasing flexibility (esp helpful for dancers). All levels are welcome. Modifications and alternative poses will be offered. Wear layers of warm comfortable clothes. Bring a yoga mat if you have one (I will provide a few).
Tainah Damasceno
Dance - Beginning Samba/Gafiera
Beginning Brazilian dance will explore the diversity of Brazilian popular dances through movement and context. Learn universal dance technique and breakdown the basics of samba, samba afro, pagode baiano and more, in a welcoming and fun environment. Come enjoy your body and move with the music of Brazil!
2023 Session Two
Alessandro Penezzi
Advanced choro ensemble
My Choro Harmony class will offer professional and amateur musicians a detailed harmonic study of Brazilian Choro. We will analyze some of the more common harmonies used in Choro and develop an understanding of their use in composition.
Brian Davis
Beginning bateria
The goal of my class is to give students a good foundation in the basics of Samba Batucada (including syncopations, rhythms, entrances, exits) with exercises for technique and continued practice, and everyone up and playing. Good for developing and expanding what you know, plus an opportunity to learn new instruments.
Brian Moran
Beginning Guitar
Week 1 Beginning Guitar will cover basic techniques for fingerstyle and pickstyle guitar as needed, as well as a handful of songs in the bossa nova, samba and forro genres. Accompaniment of songs with vocals will be the primary focus; singers wishing to sing are welcome. Guitarists with questions as to improvisation, choro guitar language, expanding their knowledge are welcome. Acoustic guitars are ideal. If you have an electric guitar you may need to bring a battery powered amp. Beginning cavaquinho/mandolin/uke players also welcome to join. Check back for charts/lyrics to download prior to camp. This class is best for students that have at least 1 year experience with guitar but wish to improve their skills and knowledge of Brazilian guitar.
Chico Pinheiro
Advanced Guitar
In the advanced guitar class, we will explore the universe of Brazilian music, including its influences, styles and trends, focusing particularly on (1) the guitar and its importance and role in this universe.
(2) the guitar vocabulary used in song and instrumental music today in Brazil, applying it to composition, comping and improvisation. read more>
Celso Alberti
Drums
I'll be covering techniques to develop control and speed when playing Brazilian music on a drum set plus an overview of popular rhythms from different regions of Brazil.
Clarice Cast
Pandeiro
In this beginners class, you will learn the basic pandeiro technique that will allow you to play any rhythms you want, including choro, samba, baião, capoeira. It best suits those who have never played pandeiro before. Advanced class: This class is dedicated to expanding ways to play Brazilian rhythms on the pandeiro. We will cover the most important basic patterns, and add variations and ways to improvise on each rhythm including, choro, samba, maxixe, baião, xôte, côco, maracatú, and ijexá.
Fabiana Cozza
Vocal
Through 20 years of researching and studying music and song itself, I have experimented with techniques that reveal the unique and rare instrument that inhabits each one of us, and that puts us in contact with the other actors of the scene, with the public, physical space itself, our creative potential, ourselves. The "Body of the Voice" workshop helps participants discover their own voices, and the place of their uniqueness, through an investigation of the body, the sensations and emotions that are born from the action, exploring the body of the interpreter. We will discuss the positioning necessary for a good body alignment so that the singing is produced free of tensions and the student is able to realize his vocal movements in a sensible, true, conscious way.
Francisco Marques
Pagode
This class is ideal for beginner and intermediate students who have little or no experience playing traditional Samba/Pagode instruments. The emphasis will be on laying a solid foundation and understanding of the rhythms and grooves of samba. It is a great class for singers to expand beyond shaker accompaniment! Some instruments will be provided in class but you are encouraged to bring your own traditional samba instruments. Lyrics and class material will be available for download and print before camp on the CBC website. franciscomarquesmusic.com
Guilherme dos Santos Oliveira
Advanced Bateria and Pagode
Mestre de Bateria do Acadêmicos do Salgueiro, Guilherme and his brother Gustavo will bring the latest from Rio bateria styles to Cazadero.
Gustavo dos Santos Oliveira
Advanced Bateria and Pagode
Mestre de Bateria do Acadêmicos do Salgueiro, Gustavo and his brother Guilherme will bring the latest from Rio bateria styles to Cazadero.
Jorge Alabê
Candomble percussion and song
Jorge will be teaching two classes - First, an advanced drumming for the orixas (afro/brazilian religious drumming) and then, a class on the songs that go with the drumming for the orixas. This class is open to all students. jorgealabe.com• sambamasterclass.com
Jovino Santos Neto
Brazilian Jazz Ensemble
Morning: Spontaneous Morning Ensemble (All Levels) This class is aimed at all levels of musicianship. Reading is not necessary. Compositions and arrangements are created by Jovino in class with the available instruments and are learned by ear before being notated. Everyone who wants to play can play, developing strong listening skills in the process. Afternoon: Moacir Santos (1926-2006) was a composer, multi-instrumentalist and educator from Brazil. From his humble beginnings as a circus musician to being a major influence on a whole generation of younger players in Brazil and the US, he has left an amazing body of compositions and arrangements that is not yet fully recognized. In this class we will play several of his compositions, exploring their potential for rhythmic and improvisational development. Here is his obituary from the NY Times and here is his bio and discography from All Music.com. Charts will be provided prior to Camp.
Kellyn Rosa
Dance - Advanced Samba, Gafieira
Class description coming soon.
Paty Renda
yoga
There's nothing more delicious than a yoga practice early morning and out in nature. In yoga, we experience the power of our breath, the strength of our body and the peacefulness of our mind. Through a series of asanas (yoga postures) that are friendly to all levels, plus conscious breathing and deep relaxation, you will awaken to the most beautiful self you have ever experienced. patyrenda.com
Marcio Peeter
Percussion
I will be instructing the many rhythms of Bahia Brazil, including samba reggae, samba de roda and Ile Aiye styles. The class will use surdos, timbals, repiniques, and other percussion instruments.
Monica Golcwajg
Portuguese
I have been a Portuguese teacher for over thirty years. I understand that a language class has to be fun and relate to one's reality. This class integrates some grammar, language structure, and culture. It is about understanding the Brazilian life style, slang, and the language of the everyday life. We study a vocabulary that relates to what we do, our lives and interests. A special attention is paid to pronunciation and consequently to the use of different muscles in the mouth. We have students of different levels in the same class and everyone can benefit from it. Whenever possible, we work on songs and lyrics and whatever are the students' interests.
Nildinha Fonseca
Dance - Afro-Brazilian
Class description coming soon.
Rosangela Silvestre
Orixas dance movement and Silvestre Technique
SILVESTRE TECHNIQUE, native to Salvador, Bahia, is a continuously evolving contemporary dance technique with the objective of conditioning the dancer through physical and expressive training regardless of level or prior training. In 1982, ROSANGELA SILVESTRE began the early stages of developing her technique, which over time has developed into a series of exercises working to train the mind, body, and spirit. Exercises are based upon fundamental Afro-Brazilian symbols and gestures, the four elements of nature(Earth, Water, Air, fire), the chakras (points of energy in our bodies) and the 3 triangles(intuition, expression and balance). Classes are accompanied by live music to further awaken expression and inspiration. All levels are welcomed and encouraged.
ORIXA DANCE MOVEMENT examines and interprets symbols, gestures and movements derived from Yoruba deities. We will be learning traditional dances/ movements as we identify their specific energies/traits in relation to the 4 elements :Earth, Water, Air, and Fire.
Weslei Guimaraes
Dance - Beginning Samba
He’s back! Weslei Guimarães returns to California Brazil Camp and will be teaching a beginner samba no pé class focusing on technique, samba roots, and the diaspora.