Under1Sun for Schools

Under1Sun provides percussion and dance workshops for all ages using Samba; the exciting carnival music of Brazil.

Up to forty children at a time can take part in this unique learning experience, which will captivate even the most difficult-to-reach pupils. No experience, ability or natural musicality is required to recreate the glorious sound of Samba.

Under1Sun has developed workshops that address the specific requirements of the National Curriculum for Music at each level and, with attention also being paid to the cultural and historical context of Samba, you will also find strong links to History and Geography. Furthermore, Samba's dependence on teamwork lays a great foundation for learning about citizenship.

Group drumming is a wonderful leveller: you will find the most reserved pupils become visibly more relaxed and confident, and more challenging individuals swept along by a tide of fun and enthusiasm as they begin to feel the positive effects of their cooperation. As well as creating a huge physical release, research also shows that this kind of group-drumming has a lasting positive effect on mood.

"It was great to see children who are often reluctant to participate joining in, all of the children were engaged and on task throughout.
The school was buzzing at the end of the day.
IThank you once again for a most enjoyable day.
Dorothy Driscoll (Music teacher and Lead Music Teacher for Shepway 1 Cluster)

Each pupil is given one of seven different instruments and learns a corresponding rhythm which becomes integral to the group performance. Samba owes its infectious sound to the interlocking of these different patterns, which means that students immediately learn for themselves that a little concentration and teamwork can have incredible effects!