WHO WE ARE

The Acadêmicos da Ópera Samba School is a group of over 50 drummers (also knows as a bateria) and dancers, complete with porta-bandeira and mestre-sala. We perform at parades, festivals and special occasions, bringing the music, movement, color, pageantry and joy of Carnaval in Rio to parades, festivals and special events throughout the region.

Acadêmicos da Ópera was created and is led by
Robert Patterson (Tio Jacaré). A perennial Brazilian music student, Jacaré has spent countless hours studying and playing with many Brazilian musicians, and travels yearly to Brazil in order to stay on top of all things samba (you can read archives from his travel blog here). He also makes a yearly pilgrimage to the annual California Brazil Camp as part of the camp's faculty.

Dancers. Acadêmicos da Ópera also has its own group of dancers who rehearse alongside the bateria (same time and place). Visit the Dance section of our website for more information.

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Want to join us?

Acadêmicos da Ópera rehearses on Wednesdays from 7:30-9:30 pm. The Samba School owns all the Brazilian percussion instruments needed to supply a 40+ member bateria (drum section), so all you have to do is show up. Most veteran members have bought their own instrument (which makes practicing at home much easier).

f you would like to join, please e-mail Jacaré.

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