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June 3-5, 2026Hosted on the beautiful CU Boulder College of Music campus, the CU Bateria Directing Symposium is specifically designed and intended for experienced percussionists and teachers to develop skills and knowledge in Brazilian percussion and learn the role of directing a bateria ensemble in a school, university or community music setting.
Founded and taught by Carl Dixon, Assistant Teaching Professor of Percussion at CU-Boulder, Director of the Boulder Samba School, Founder of Virada Drums, and director/teacher/arranger/clinician of Brazilian percussion music.
The symposium is open to professional and semiprofessional musicians, band directors and school percussion specialists, percussion teachers and current graduate students studying percussion. Participants should have experience playing percussion and either professional playing and/or teaching experience.
Not sure if this symposium is right for you? Message Carl Dixon and describe your experience and interest.
Three full days of intensive training will include:
Classes on rhythms and techniques of all instruments used in the bateria
Conducting techniques
Practice leading the seminar bateria comprised of other participants
Arranging strategies and concepts to adapt repertoire to the needs of specific ensembles and performances
Special topics requested by participants
Also included in the seminar:
Recordings of all classes for future study and reference
Scores for transcriptions/arrangements of several traditional and original pieces for bateria
All instruments for classes are provided
Discounts on all instruments from Virada Drums
Repertoire will include Carl Dixon’s arrangements and transcriptions:
-Bateria Carioca—Rio samba basics
-Samba Enredo arrangement—A standard arrangement of a traditional samba enredo
-Paradinhas and styles of several important Rio samba schools: Mangueira, Mocidade, Salgueiro, etc.
-Samba reggae rhythms from famous blocos Timbalada, Ilê Aiyê and Olodum
Location
All daytime classes will take place in the percussion studio of the CU Boulder College of Music percussion studio (Imig Music Building, 1020 18th Street, Boulder, Colorado). Evening activities will include classes and events at additional locations off campus in Boulder.
Lodging
Participants are responsible for securing their own lodging. Discounted rates at several hotels are available.
Transportation
Transportation from Denver International Airport is available via the RTD AB bus. Local transportation within Boulder is possible via bus/ride share, and use of a vehicle during the days of the workshop is not required. Paid parking on campus is available.
Registration
https://secure.touchnet.net/C20369_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=1263
A non-refundable $200 deposit is required to secure your registration. After May 15, the remaining balance will increase to $330. Payment in full is due June 3, 2026.
Carl Dixon
Assistant Teaching Professor of Percussion
[email protected]
Carl Dixon has directed the Brazilian Bateria Percussion Ensemble since establishing it at the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music in 2011. He also serves as musical director of the Boulder Samba School, a community drumming ensemble he co-founded in 2009. Dixon has been a featured guest teacher at universities and community groups across the country and at the California Brazil Camp. Additionally, Dixon has directed bateria performances for university concerts, carnival shows, parades, festivals and school and community events including collaborations with multiple dance companies, the Colorado Symphony, Boulder Chorale and the University of Colorado Boulder Golden Buffalo Marching Band. As artistic director of the Colorado Brazil Fest, Dixon has coordinated and directed performances with Brazilian artists including Jorge Alabe, Casuarina, Moyseis Marques, Dandha da Hora, Paula Santoro, Alessandro Penezzi and Ronaldo Andrade. Dixon has studied extensively in Rio de Janeiro and with internationally recognized samba percussionists and bateria directors including Jorge Alabe, Mestre Ailton Nunes (Mangueira), Mestre Marcão (Salgueiro), Mestres Gustavo and Guilherme (Salgueiro), among others, and has performed with several samba school baterias and blocos.
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Event Venue
CU Boulder College of Music, 1020 18th St, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
Tickets
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