About this Event
Drums!
Come and learn the drums that make Rio’s samba schools swing! Mestre Rob Arcari is coming to Auckland for the first time for an intensive weekend of authentic Brazilian samba percussion workshops.
Participants will dive into the full bateria lineup used within an Escola de Samba - including surdo, caixa, repique, repique mor, tamborim, chocalho, timbal, and agogô (instruments not provided).
Spread across two days, these workshops are tailored for intermediate to advanced percussionists who already have some samba experience and want to elevate their technique, groove, and authentic Rio swing.
About the Instructor
Mestre Rob Arcari is the founder and Mestre de Bateria of Bloco 3K in Melbourne and Mestre de Bateria of Unidos da Cacatua (the Australasia-wide samba collective). A veteran ritmista, Rob has dedicated the last 25 years studying and playing with groups across Europe & Australia. For the last decade he's been parading annually in Rio de Janeiro's Carnival with top Escolas de Samba, including Imperatriz Leopoldinense, Acadêmicos da Rocinha, Imperio da Tijuca, Estácio de Sá and many more.
Workshop Schedule
Workshops focus on genuine Rio instrument technique, swing, speed, and authentic arrangements straight from the heart of Carnaval.
Friday 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Tamborim Masterclass
We will focus on the carreteiro turning technique, improving sound, speed & stamina.
Friday 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Caixa & Repique Masterclass
Focusing on the patterns & techniques used in Rio's samba Schools. For caixa this means both down on a strap, and up on the arm. For repique we will look at technique, groove and some calls. Bring either a caixa, or a repique and focus on one.
Saturday
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Full Bateria Intensive
Here we bring all the drums & percussion of the bateria together. We will be looking at cementing the fundamentals of Samba that is played in Rio's Samba Schools today. We'll focus on technique, swing, sound, and learn some fresh new breaks direct from Rio.
Tickets & Packages
Select individual masterclasses, the core intensive, or bundle them together to save.
Early Bird ticket prices are available until October 15th. Check tickets details for savings availble.
- Standalone Masterclasses Only (Friday Oct 30th)
- Tamborim only
- Caixa & Repique only
- Full Bateria Intensive Only (Sat Oct 31st)
- Full Bateria Intensive + Single Masterclass Bundle
- Full Intensive on Saturday + your choice of Friday workshop
- Full Weekend All-Access Pass (Best Value)
- Grants access to both Friday masterclasses and the full day Saturday intensive
What to Bring
- Instruments: All participants must bring their own drum(s). Instruments will not be provided.
- Accessories: Please remember your own sticks, beaters, and straps
- Essentials: Bring earplugs/hearing protection and plenty of water.
Event venue & nearby stays
Auckland City Brass, 98 Captain Springs Road, Auckland, New Zealand
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