About Us
About Us
Our Name?
Samba – Because we play the kind of drums and other percussion instruments found in a typical Brazilian samba batucada.
Galêz – A variation on the Portuguese for Wales (We were previously called Samba Galês).
Our Origins
Samba Galêz was established in 1990 as part of a programme of community based arts and performance initiatives promoted by the South Wales Inter Cultural Arts (SWICA). In 2001 it was decided that Samba Galêz should become independent from SWICA and adopted a Constitution and Governing Document for an Unincorporated Association.
Rehearsals and Performances
The band meet every Saturday for rehearsals at Willows School in Cardiff and at occasional weekend retreats, which focus on fun as well as musical development.
Each year we hold a ten week beginners access course. This is to introduce the basic skills and rhythms needed to join the band and give people the chance to try out different instruments. The courses are open to everyone - no previous musical knowledge or experience is necessary. Email us for more details
Samba Galêz play 20 to 30 performances each year, as well as Saturday afternoon busks in The Hayes area of Cardiff city centre when we can.
The Band and Dancers
Samba Galêz has become one of the largest community-based Samba bands in the UK with members of all ages coming from different cultural backgrounds and ranging from accomplished musicians to those with no previous musical experience. The band are led by Simon Preston, a professional musician and composer, who has been the band’s musical director since 1991. Sallie Maclennan, a professional dance teacher and performer, has come in to lead our dance group.
