Samba Ottawa, is the city’s only bateria (percussion band) and Samba School.

Operating out of the Old Town Hall in Ottawa East on Main Street at Hawthorne Street, in partnership with the Community Activities Group (CAG), Samba Ottawa is not just a band but also a community of adults of all ages with a passion for Brazilian percussion, rhythm, music, and culture. Formed in June 2000, the group has played more than 200 performances and parades including numerous TV appearances and workshops.

Many of our members are not professional musicians. Many began their musical journey with Samba Ottawa with no previous experience. Based on the oral traditions of the Samba Schools in Brazil, songs are taught through vocal instruction and listening, removing the need for formal musical training and the ability to read music. Members of Samba Ottawa will take the ‘but-I-have-no-rhythm’ beginner sentiment as the ultimate challenge to prove we can all learn Brazilian percussion.

Samba is a Brazilian dance and musical genre that evolved in the early 20th century from various regions of Brazil, including Rio de Janeiro. It is a mixture of African rhythms brought over by slaves and European music brought over by the Portuguese.

Combined together, these two influences created a vibrant, rich, syncopated and fast rhythm now known around the world. Samba has grown to become a symbol and national identity for the country. Every year schools within the cities come together for the largest Samba festivals, celebrations and competitions: Carnaval.

While Samba schools in Rio operate in impoverished neighbourhoods providing social support as well as a musical focus, here in Ottawa Sambistas are more representative of our general population. Professionals, business people, retirees and university students create a rich and engaging mix that is enjoyed socially as much as musically.

Please consider this as our invitation to you. Step outside of your comfort zone and come and experience Brazilian percussion. At worst, you will have drummed for two hours, your stress level will have decreased, you will have made new connections and, like many of us, you will have become addicted to Samba.

Our goal is to provide an educational yet fun experience for all. Your first two sessions will be free. If you don’t feel comfortable jumping right in, join us for our beginner nights on the last Sunday of every month (Wednesdays in July and August). Beginner nights are designed to ease  newcomers into the culture of the group and our repertoire, and to see how our rehearsals unfold.

In addition to rehearsals and beginner nights, special sectional rehearsals are aimed at aiding our beginners and are offered once a month on a Sunday at 4 pm before our regular rehearsal at the Old Town Hall. All instruments and equipment are provided by Samba Ottawa. Please note that not all sections may participate in these additional practices so attendance must be confirmed with the section leaders in advance.

We play, samba, maracatu,samba-reggae and other Brazilian and Afro-Latin rhythyms. Performance is a very important part of what we do and we have participated in about 200 concerts, parades and benefits over the years ( Beginners are not expected to perform until the Maestra feels they are ready to). Practises are held at the Old Town Hall at 61 Main Street from 7-9:15 pm Sunday evenings and switch to Wednesday evenings during the summer ( July and August).

Beginners are always welcome and Special Beginner nights are the last week of the month. No previous experience is necessary but being rhythmically inclined is a definite advantage. All instruments are provided and Beginner lessons are available a few times yearly through the Community Centre. Come and check us out www.samba-ottawa.org. Samba music is infectious and it's hard to not want to get involved. This group loves to socialize, enjoys playing Samba music and has a ton of fun in the process - Join Us!