  Chris Quade Couto   Workshops: Rio Style Samba, Paradinhas, Pandeiro, Tamborim |
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Chris began his career as a musician as a child, and when he was only 15 he specialized in Brazilian percussion. He completed various training courses in Brazilian and Cuban percussion with lecturers such as Dudu Tucci and Ravin Jayasuriya, played in groups such as Pimenta Malagueta, Tim Sein Lada and Cologne Streetbeat, founded and directed the samba school Unidos de Colônia and Suco Legal and played percussion in the samba Funk band Muamba. Today he is the musical director of Bloco X, singer and percussionist of the Forró Trios Capangas, founder and percussionist of the Roda de Samba do Alemão and since 2004 he has played in the Bateria of Unidos da Tijuca (winner of the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro 2010, 2012 and 2014) and other samba schools in Rio. Chris is an endorser for Contemporânea instruments. |
 Meiko Meissner Workshops: Surprise, Improve Your Groove, Maculelê |
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Meiko is a graduated drummer/percussionist (AmsterdamConservatory, Hilversum Conservatory, UM/DM). Working as a freelance musician / workshop leader in education, business, the private market and music festivals. In addition, regularly working as a teacher with various samba groups in the Netherlands and Germany. Makes regular study trips to Rio de Janeiro and Salvador da Bahia (including in 2008/2009, 6 months, drummed and learned at GRES Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel, Rio Maracatu, Monobloco). |
| Thomas Sukkiennik Workshops: Ritmos do Candeal, Repique, Samba Reggae, Freestyle Rhythms for Afro Bloco |
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In 1987 Thomas saw the Escola de Samba Baden under the direction of Thomas Köhler and Adolf Pfau at the Jazzkeller in Bonn. It hit him like a bolt of lightning and he knew exactly what he wanted to do in his life. Thomas, Adolf and the whole Escola de Samba were his very first school and supported him very much. Many and long stays in Brazil and Cuba followed to study music, country and people. Then later 3 years of Latin percussion studies at the Rotterdam Conservatory. Until 2015 self-employed as performing musician (percussionist) in shows, bands, corporate events. Thopmas is self-employed as a music educator in percussion for about 35 years. Workshops at institutions, schools and for companies. |
 Willem de Gooyert Workshops: Rio Style Samba, Cavaco, Caixa, Samba Funk |
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Willem has been exploring Brazilian percussion for over 16 years now. In that time, he has played with many groups all over Europe, as well as having travelled to Brazil several times to study and play with some of the greatest baterias. Some of his highlights include playing and/or teaching in Uniao dos Paises Baixos, Gamberro, Bloco X, London School of Samba, Paraiso, G.R.E.S. Unidos do Viradouro, G.R.E.S. Academicos do Salgueiro, Unidos da Vila Isabel, and many more! He currently teaches at the Brighton School of Samba in his hometown, and loves to explore new techniques and rhythms, with a samba twist. |