Trowbridge Care Home Celebrates Carnival With Samba Drumming

Residents at Goodson Lodge enjoyed Brazilian Carnival beats at a workshop run by Batuque do Barco earlier this month. Over 20 residents, volunteers and staff joined the energising music session at the care home, run by not-for-profit care provider The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT).

Shirley Kemp, resident, said: “The drumming was very enjoyable and energising. It was quite unusual. I never thought I’d be drumming in a care home!”

Shirley was delighted to take part in the Samba drumming, organised by the home’s Activities Team. It reminded her of the years she’d lived in Peru and South Africa with her husband who worked as an accountant for an American mining company.

Michael Grant, Director at Batuque do Barco (BDB Samba), ran the Brazilian drumming workshop with fellow musician Cameron. He said: “We run workshops for community groups, corporate organisations and schools to educate and engage people in drumming and give them an active experience of Samba drumming.”

The duo brought around 30 percussion instruments including big bass drums, agogo bells, ganzás, repeniques and tamborins, so that everyone could join in the simple rhythmic sequence which Michael taught during the class. He said: “I love seeing people move past their initial reluctance and try something new, and then move to excitement and confidence as they join in the collective drumming ensemble.

“Samba drumming is accessible for all, no one needs any prior musical ability. From a simple foundation of basic drumbeats, over the course of the workshop we develop a carnival inspired rhythm.”