Old Town School – On The Road

Dispatches from the road from our wayfaring travelers.

Day 5 in Belo Horizonte

Hello from Brazil. What an amazing country. The people here are absolutely lovely. They love learning about American folk music, the history, the way we teach music and even the way we sing. And we’re learning just as much from them…their music…samba, bossa nova and even brazilian pop music. Our host Walenia is has given us a great tour of Belo Horizonte, the biggest city in the state of Minas Garais. It has everything…..huge outdoor markets downtown, to serene parks, the lagoon, a zoo, and of course the University. Then neighborhood we are in is called Pampulha.

Last night was a highlight. We had a jam/dance party with the Brazilians at a small school that teaches mostly voice classes. We first took a workhop on how to play the pandeiro…it looks like a tamborine with a closed head. Very rhythmic. It seems that everyone here knows how to play the pandeiro! After the workshop…party downstairs…snacks and local beer (Skol) was served with a local soup that sort of tastes like the refried beans in Mexican dishes, but even better, and pork added. I forgot the name in Portugues. I do remember “Pao de Queso” though…..a delightful little cheese puff thing they sell everywhere…yum yum! The food is AMAZING…every single meal….but more on that later.

At the party, we traded off singing american folks songs and Brazilian songs…there were accordions, guitars, all kinds of drums, shakers, mando, fiddle and of course the pandeiro! Then, a barn dance with Bau calling out the moves in English and Walenia translating in Portuguese, while Andrea and Steve strummed and fiddled. Then….instant samba dancing ensued and lots and lots of Brazilian songs sung so beautifully I could cry.

Okay….i’ll see if I can post a pic and video here to really see!

Filed under: Brazil 2009, Notes from Laura, Uncategorized by Laura | June 4, 2009 | Comments (0)


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