Involves learning rhythms and songs from Brazilian traditions. Participants will learn to play several different instruments and their respective parts, sing traditional songs in Portuguese and Yoruba and follow conducting leads. There are parts appropriate for every skill level. (Duration 1 hour; Maximum 30 participants per workshop)
Capoeira Movement (5yrs and up)
An Afro-Brazilian martial art based on music and dance. Capoeira explores self-defence movements that intertwine in a fluid dance spectacle. Unlike other martial arts capoeira is also a form of vigorous exercise. Participants will learn defence movements as well as rhythms (instruments provided) and songs from Capoeira. (Duration 1 hour; Maximum 30 per workshop)
Toddlers Music and Dance (1 to 4yrs)
Specially designed for Toddlers/ pre-schoolers this class will spark curiosity and burn lots of energy in a place where the children can make noise and move abundantly! Playing Brazilian percussion instruments provided, singing nursery rhymes and traditional Brazilian songs, movement and dances. (Duration 45 min; Maximum 20 per group)
Carnaval Parade Series - (all ages)
Based on a series of workshops (minimum 4), groups will explore different aspects of the creation of a carnaval parade in each consecutive workshop, drumming, dance/ marching steps, costumes, culminating on a performance day that can be combined with an event with parents or simply a fun parade around the block!
Crafts
Hand crafting of props and instruments is an important part of all carnival and parading traditions. The visual aspect of dancers and musicians is often as important as the pieces they are performing. In these workshops we discuss the construction of the instruments and costumes used in different Carnaval traditions from Brazil, by showing samples, followed by a detailed step-by-step how to make your own using readily available recyclables from around the home.
Instrument building with recyclables - percussions instruments as drums and shakers. Includes pre-workshop instructions showing materials and tools recommended (for online version) crafts, music (Duration 1 hour; Maximum 30 per workshop)
Mask and costume making - masks, head pieces, wigs and chest pieces. Includes pre-workshop instructions showing materials and tools recommended (for online version) crafts, music (Duration 1 hour; Maximum 30 per workshop)
Performances/ Shows
Cultural Tales (All ages) - Stories from cultural traditions of Brazil’s unchartered diversity are told through sounds shapes and colours. Demonstrations of traditional exotic musical instruments are weaved with short stories and interactive activities. clapping games, songs, dance steps and costume demos. 50 minutes to 1hr including Q & A music, dance, story telling, theatrics
Brazil through music (All ages) - The music from Brazil is as charming as it is diverse. Luciano Lu (Luciano Porto) sings from a vast repertoire of Brazilian classics, traditional tunes, Jazz Standards played in Brazilian style and original repertoire taking the audience on a trip to the sunny beaches of the tropics. Bossa Nova, Samba, Forró, Choro, Côco and Maracatu are some of the styles that inspire this performance with expressive vocals, Brazilian guitar, cavaquinho (uke), Accordion and lots of percussion. 50 minutes Q&A extra - music
Accordion around the World (Grd 4-12) - The accordion is a complete instrument that can be used to play orchestral arrangements. Traditionally it is used all over the world for its ability to mimic many instruments of a band at the same time acoustically. Exploring a repertoire from South America, World Jazz, French Musette, Polka, Tango, Scandinavian and Middle Eastern music, Luciano does the tour around the world on the piano accordion. 50 minutes Q&A extra- music
World of Drums (All ages) - Drums are the heart beat of music around the world. In this performance Luciano shows samples of drums and rhythms from around the world. A show and tell of exotic drums and percussion instruments from around the world this show is both visually as musically inspiring. 50 minutes Q&A extra- music
A Warrior’s Journey (Jk-Grd 6) - Based on a fictitious tale of a migrant slave’s new world journey through cultural clashes in a distant past a narrated story is weaved with songs and music on various unique instruments all done in full costume as a solo theatrical performance. Songs and rhythms representing the cultural soup of Brazil’s diversity are performed throughout. 50 minutes Q&A extra- music, dance, theatre, story telling