Want to join ? The Acadêmicos da Ópera Samba School rehearses here once a week on Wednesday evening, from 7-9 pm: Copa Bar & Grill 217 Congress Ave Austin TX 78701 Bateria. The Samba School owns all the Brazilian percussion instruments necessary to field a 24-member bateria, so all you have to do is show up. Most veterans members have purchased their own instruments (which makes practicing at home much easier). Beginner classes are held from time to time, where new members can learn samba fundamentals. For more bateria information, email Robert at osambaxe @ yahoo.com. Dancers. Acadêmicos da Ópera also has its own complement of dancers, complete with Porta Bandeira and Mestre Sala. The dancers rehearse right along side the bateria (same time and place). For more dancer information, email Selina at selinak29 @ yahoo.com.