Samba Schools in Rio de Janeiro

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a samba school?

To provide formal education in dance

To offer music theory classes

To sponsor dance competitions in schools

To practice and exhibit samba performance (correct)

How do samba schools contribute to their local communities?

By organizing educational seminars on dance

By offering scholarships for college education

By employing local musicians for formal training

By affirming the cultural validity of Afro-Brazilian heritage (correct)

What is the significance of the carnaval parade for samba schools?

It serves as the main competition for dance schools worldwide

It is a minor event with little community involvement

It requires extensive preparation and showcases each school's performance (correct)

It is only attended by local community members

What role does a carnavalesco play in a samba school?

They oversee the planning of carnival events Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'quadras de samba' refer to?

Places where samba schools rehearse and perform Signup and view all the answers

How have the top samba schools in Rio evolved in terms of infrastructure?

They use a designated warehouse complex called Samba City Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about samba schools regarding education?

They do not offer any formal dance education Signup and view all the answers

What demographic primarily benefits from the employment opportunities created by samba schools during carnival preparations?

The poorest segments of Brazilian society Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the founding of 'Deixa Falar' in 1928?

It marked the beginning of present-day samba schools. Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited with the idea of creating 'blocos de Carnaval'?

Ismael Silva Signup and view all the answers

What was a prerequisite for samba schools to compete in the early contests?

Presenting new sambas. Signup and view all the answers

In what year did the first Parade of Samba Schools occur?

1928 Signup and view all the answers

Which samba school won the first contest held at Praça Onze?

Mangueira Signup and view all the answers

What significant change occurred in samba between 1930 and 1932?

Samba schools were regarded as merely variations of local street celebrations. Signup and view all the answers

What organization was established in 1934 that contributed to the growth of samba schools?

General Union of Samba Schools Signup and view all the answers

What was created in 1952 to help new samba schools gain entry into premier competitions?

Access League Signup and view all the answers

Why did Mário Filho sponsor the first Parade of Samba Schools?

To fill space for carnival in the local media. Signup and view all the answers

What are the judges in samba parades primarily responsible for?

Evaluating categories and awarding points. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a samba school breaks certain rules during the parade?

Their scores can be penalized. Signup and view all the answers

What structure did the opening committee of a samba school typically include?

A mestre-sala and a flag holder. Signup and view all the answers

What did the creation of the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro symbolize?

The formal recognition of samba as an art form. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of sambadromes in Brazil?

To hold carnival parades. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the 'alas' in samba school parades?

Sections that represent different aspects of the school's theme. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the 'comissão de frente' play in a samba parade?

They open the parade with social attire. Signup and view all the answers

How do samba schools primarily differ in Rio de Janeiro compared to other states?

They produce the most spectacular parades. Signup and view all the answers

What has been a significant requirement for samba schools since 1935?

To obtain a charter from the Delegacia de Costumes e Diversões. Signup and view all the answers

What term is used for colorful T-shirts that display affiliation to samba groups?

Abadás. Signup and view all the answers

Which entity typically has 'Grêmio Recreativo Escola de Samba' in its name?

Most Brazilian samba schools, particularly in Rio de Janeiro. Signup and view all the answers

What do the terms 'porta-bandeira' and 'mestre-sala' refer to in samba parades?

The flag bearer and dancing partner. Signup and view all the answers

What does the samba school's theme, or 'enredo', usually represent?

A historical event or figure. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes samba schools in states like Bahia and Pernambuco during parades?

They do not require membership for participation. Signup and view all the answers

How does community involvement in samba schools differ from events like the Rose Parade?

Samba schools mainly consist of community volunteers. Signup and view all the answers

What significant cultural aspect is often honored during samba school performances?

International literature and culture. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between samba schools and social activism in São Paulo?

They originated from political activism tied to sports culture. Signup and view all the answers

How does the legacy of samba schools trace back to the history of carnival in Rio?

They originally featured exclusive European revelers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the front commission in the samba school parade?

To act as the master of ceremonies Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with the float design in samba parades?

They can be propelled by engines Signup and view all the answers

How are samba songs selected for a school?

Via an internal competition among Sambistas Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a carnavalesco in a samba school?

To develop the school's theme. Signup and view all the answers

What attire is typically worn by the mestre-sala and porta-bandeira during the parade?

Gala costumes, 'carnavalized' with colors Signup and view all the answers

What do the scores for the samba schools typically range from in Rio and São Paulo?

7 to 10 Signup and view all the answers

What is a key judging criterion for the samba school parades?

The thematic continuity of the performance Signup and view all the answers

What typically happens during the results presentation event in both Rio and São Paulo?

Scores and possible point deductions are announced. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a samba school's participants do not sing well during the parade?

They may be penalized with lower scores Signup and view all the answers

In which year did the controversy regarding the Acadêmicos de Santa Cruz's performance occur?

1991 Signup and view all the answers

What is the historical role of the mestre-sala?

To reflect traditional carnival dances Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about the Parade of Champions in relation to competition?

It does not have a competitive nature. Signup and view all the answers

Why do schools need to maintain a sense of unity during their parade performance?

To score better in judging Signup and view all the answers

How are the lowest scores treated in the São Paulo samba school competition?

The lowest score for each category is eliminated. Signup and view all the answers

How long can the greatest floats in samba parades reach?

Up to 60 meters long Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical admission requirement for the results presentation event in Rio and São Paulo?

One kilogram of non-perishable food. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the porters' movements during the parade?

To maintain attention on the flag and each other Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the wing of Bahia in samba schools?

It does not have scoring criteria Signup and view all the answers

Which school is specifically mentioned as having protested during the Parade of Champions?

Viradouro Signup and view all the answers

What role might a team of researchers play in a samba school?

To assist the carnavalesco in developing the theme. Signup and view all the answers

When does the internal competition for samba songs typically take place?

In August Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum height allowed for the floats in the Special Group performance?

9.8 meters Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about Nene de Vila Matilde's participation in the parade of champions in 1985?

They were invited during a time when Brazilian samba was less popular. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of the singer in a samba parade?

To lead the performance of the samba plot Signup and view all the answers

Which instrument is NOT typically part of a bateria in samba schools?

Clarinet Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'Paradinha' effect introduced by Mestre André?

A moment when only the cavaquinho and voice are heard Signup and view all the answers

Which role, introduced in the 1970s, dances ahead of the drummer's group?

Queen of the drums section Signup and view all the answers

How did the role of the godmother in samba schools evolve in the 1980s?

It began to feature famous TV actresses Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'ala das baianas' in a samba school parade?

To represent old Bahian traditions Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a significant risk in the 'Paradinha' effect?

The samba song can be resumed at the wrong moment Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal size of a bateria in a samba school?

250 to 300 musicians Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a carnavalesco in a samba school?

To design and develop the plot and costumes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the 'old guard' of samba schools?

They established the schools and have a separate honor department Signup and view all the answers

What are the implications of Jamelão’s criticism of the term 'handle'?

It recognizes the need for a professional title change Signup and view all the answers

Why is the queen of the drums section celebrated in samba schools?

For her unique dance skills alongside drummers Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of women in the roles of queen and godmother in samba schools signify?

A departure from traditional gender roles in samba Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines the role of a conductor, or master of bateria?

To manage the coordination and tempo of the bateria Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Samba Schools

Samba schools are dancing, marching, and drumming clubs that practice and exhibit Samba, an Afro-Brazilian dance and drumming style.
They are typically named "Escola de Samba" in Portuguese and are traditionally associated with specific neighborhoods.
Samba schools are seen as a celebration of Afro-Brazilian heritage and often act as an alternative to mainstream education systems.

Samba Schools & Rio de Janeiro

Samba schools in Rio de Janeiro are often located in impoverished neighborhoods known as "favelas".
They participate in elaborate parades during Carnival.
The parades are judged under various categories, including the theme, costumes, floats, and music.
The parades are highly competitive and draw in large crowds and massive media attention.
Samba schools in Rio often showcase their themes and stories through "alas" or sections of performers with distinctive costumes.

Samba School Personnel

The "comissão de frente" is the first artistic ensemble and consists of individuals who open the parade in social attire.
The "ala das Baianas" features traditional Bahian African-Brazilian women with impressive round dresses.
The "interpretes" or lead singers perform the "samba-enredo" or theme song while playing the "cavaquinho" or other string instruments.
The "velha guarda" consists of veteran members of the school.
The "bateria" is the samba band featuring drums, "cuicas", and other instruments.
The "madrinha da bateria" is the band godmother, often a female celebrity.
The "porta-bandeira" (female flag bearer) and the "mestre-sala" (male dancing partner) dance and honor the school's flag.

Samba School Parades

The parades take place in specially constructed arenas called Sambadromes, designed by prominent architect Oscar Niemeyer.
Each school's parade consists of approximately 3,000 performers or more.
The construction and design of floats and costumes provide employment opportunities for many in Brazilian society.
Judges assess various elements of the parade, including the theme, costumes, floats, music, and choreography.
The parades are a major economic and cultural event with widespread media coverage and high levels of public interest.

The History of Samba Schools

Samba schools originated in Rio de Janeiro in the 1930s.
The first parades, or "cortumes", were initially more exclusive events featuring white revelers.
The samba schools expanded to other Brazilian states, including São Paulo.
Formal competitions for samba schools in São Paulo began in 1950.
In 1984, the Sambadrome in Rio was dedicated as a special space for samba school parades.

The Evolution of Samba Schools

Samba schools have evolved over time, with themes and performances reflecting social, environmental, and international issues.
The organization of samba schools has become more formal, with the establishment of associations like LIESA and LIGA-SP.
Samba schools have become important community organizations offering resources such as education and healthcare, as well as political and commercial interest.

Key Organizations

GRES: Grêmio Recreativo Escola de Samba (Recreative Guild Samba School)
LIESA: Liga Independente das Escolas de Samba do Rio de Janeiro (Independent League of Samba Schools of Rio de Janeiro)
LESGA: Liga das Escolas de Samba do Grupo de Acesso do Rio de Janeiro (League of Samba Schools of the Access Group of Rio de Janeiro)
LIGA-SP: Liga das Escolas de Samba de São Paulo (League of Samba Schools of São Paulo)

The Bateria

The bateria is the percussion orchestra of a samba school
They accompany the singer and set the pace of the parade
Typically 250-300 musicians per school
Each bateria is judged on the combination of sounds, creativity, and cadence
Common instruments include: Surdo de primera, surdo de segunda, surdo de terceira, surdo mor, snare drums, repinique, chocalho, tambourim, cuíca, agogô, reco-reco, and frigedeira.
Mangueira samba school does not use surdo de segunda
Empire Serrano samba school emphasizes the agogô
Mestre André created the “Paradinha,” a musical effect where the bateria stops mid-parade, leaving only the cavaquinho and singer for a brief moment.

The Queen and Godmother of the Drums

The queen of the drums section dances ahead of the drummers and interacts with them
Adele Fatima was the first queen of the drums section in the 1970s
Monique Evans, Luma de Oliveira, and Soninha Capeta are notable queens
The godmother of the drums section is similar to the queen
Many schools use both positions to honor women

Ala das Baianas

The Ala das Baianas is a vital part of the samba school parade
The women wear traditional Bahian clothing that references the early 20th century
Costumes vary based on the school's theme for the year

Old Guard

The Old Guard are older samba dancers, often founders of the school
They typically wear carnival costumes, often zoot suits in school colors

The Singer

The singer is responsible for interpreting the samba plot during the parade
Their voice leads the pace of the school's singing
Jamelão, a long-time singer from Mangueira, criticized the traditional term "puxador" (puller) and suggested "interpreter/singer of the samba-enredo"

Carnavalesco

The carnavalesco is responsible for designing the plot, floats, and costumes of the samba school
Some carnavalescos develop the plot from a topic proposed by the school, while others suggest their own theme.
The Beija-Flor school of Rio de Janeiro uses a team of carnavalescos
Many carnavalescos have backgrounds in visual arts, performing arts, theater, or dance

Carnival Director

The carnival director is responsible for the overall direction of the samba school
They are involved in selecting members, the plot, and coordinating the construction of floats
Many are paid professionals

Results and Parade of Champions

The results of the Carnival competition are announced on Ash Wednesday in Rio and Shrove Tuesday in São Paulo
The competition is typically scored between 7 and 10
The Parade of Champions is a celebratory event where the top 5 schools from the Special Group repeat their parades
The parade takes place on the Saturday after Ash Wednesday in Rio and between Friday and Saturday night in São Paulo
Schools have used the Parade of Champions to protest against the outcome of the competition

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Explore the vibrant world of Samba schools, their role in preserving Afro-Brazilian culture, and their significance in Rio de Janeiro's Carnival. This quiz delves into the history, structure, and competitive nature of these schools, highlighting their importance in the community and during parades.