Banda Na Rua

Information for new members
​

Our History

​No longer just a little community band from a village in West Yorkshire, In 2020 Honley Samba Band changed their name to Banda Na Rua, “band on the street” in Portuguese, to reflect the diverse nature of our music and the mass of percussion energy that we have become. Honley Samba Band was formed in 2013. Starting with six members. Now Banda averages 25-40 percussionists and the band has grown in reputation, with beginners now travelling from across Kirklees and further to learn our unique percussion style. We are very much a friendly, supportive drumming group that has developed a high performance standard, playing at gigs ranging from local fetes and beer festivals to club nights and national parades. We are always looking for new members and welcome adults of all ages and accompanied young people aged 10-15 regardless of experience. 16-17 year olds can come unattended. The weekly rehearsals are led by Community Percussionist, Katie Mallard.
​

Our Music - More Than Samba​

​Samba is a style of music that originates from Rio De Janeiro, with earlier influences from North Brazil. We use Samba Style instruments however the rhythms we play range from Brazilian and world music styles to funk and hip hop.

How the Band Works

We are like a community group in that we invite anybody from the community to try out the band, however, we are technically not a community group because we do not have a committee and operate instead as a self-employed venture of our leader. Katie is a paid leader and is also responsible for paying all the band’s bills through the fees taken from players. We are entirely self-funding.
​

Banda Beginners stages

Newbies Stage 1 - Free
If you have been sent the link to this page you have already come along for your first free session. Now Katie will discuss with you which instrument options might best suit you and the band. She considers band vacancies as well as your technical ability, your personality and your enjoyment of the instrument.

Newbie Stage 2 - £8 pay as you go by card
You will then be invited to attend further 6.30-8.30pm beginners sessions where we will be looking at how well the instrument suits you, your stick technique, how well you step and whether you look like you are enjoying yourself.

Banda Rookies - Monthly Direct Debit, £27 (£19 conc)
After several weeks, if Katie feels that you are ready, you will be invited to fill vacancies in the main band for the 7.30-9.30pm sessions. We will graduate people in a group and then stop the 6.30pm sessions until our next planned intake, usually 6-12 months time. This is still considered a learning phase.

Full Banda Member - Same Direct Debit
When Katie feels that you know the songs well enough you will be invited to order your blue band hoodie and join us for gigs as a full fledged member!

Remembering the Rhythms
and Hand Signals

This is the most tricky part and may seem daunting at first. Be easy on yourself and forgive mistakes. You should find that after several weeks you start to pick things up more easily and after several months you may well remember all the rhythms and breaks to the different tunes. Our music is taught aurally by copying and repeating, sometimes using words or phrases to help us remember patterns. There are also “community-style” easy to read sheet music and recordings online (ask for the link). Some members will write memory jogger notes and others might listen to the recordings at home. Practicing at home is optional but it will speed up your learning.
​

Rehearsal Sessions and Costs

Each week we rehearse old tunes, new tunes and sometimes experiment with the leader or members’ musical ideas. We have an interval each week where we have tea/coffee and a chat. If you have a special diet please let Katie know. We practice at least 42 sessions throughout the year so typically stop over summer holidays and for a week or two over Christmas. Sessions run Fridays, 7.30-9.30pm at Neiley Pavillion, New Mill Road, Honley. Your first session is free. After that the payment is by monthly direct debit which is £27 or £19 for those who are under 18 or unwaged. This spreads the cost of the 42 weeks of lessons across a 12 month period. If the cost would prohibit you from joining the band please contact us for a chat.

Instruments

​Instruments are all owned by Katie although some band members choose to buy their own instruments, straps or sticks and bring them to rehearsals. Katie has to ensure that there is the right variety of instruments being played every session, like an orchestra or brass band, which means that we plan in advance who is learning which instrument for the upcoming few months. Popular instrument sections may become full and so have a waiting list to join. New members may try out several available instruments before they decide on one. They should then stick with this for several months to become accomplished.
 

Tamborim or "Tam"
​

Surdo

Agogo bell
​

Caixa or snare

Chocalho or Shaker
​

Repinique or "Hep"
​
​

Gigs

We typically perform at around 10 gigs each year and we charge organisers for performances. Members are invited to perform at gigs once they know the material. It is essential that if you sign up for a gig you do attend. Gigs might be indoors or out, parading or static. We cover player fuel costs for out of area gigs where possible. Our band costume for gigs is a band top which varies from t-shirts, vests, long-sleeved t-shirts or sweaters depending on the season (approx. £12-£25 an item) which you should order in advance from Katie. You will also need trousers/bottoms for some gigs.

Children, Young People & Child Protection

We welcome families with young people aged 10+. Those aged 10-15 must be accompanied by an adult who is responsible for them. It is not appropriate for the child to be left at practice with another adult band member unless they know the child well. If you have any concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a young person or vulnerable adult speak with Katie Mallard.
​

You Must Wear Ear Protection

Regularly playing in Banda without ear protection will seriously damage your hearing. You must either use the ear plus or ear defenders provided or purchase your own. Ear protection should be a minimum of 25dB, over 30dB is better. Check before buying.
​

Being social

​Many players join the band for the social side of making music together. We are a very friendly group, adults and children alike. Many of us visit a Honley or Holmfirth pub on Fridays after practice and adults are always welcome along, whether for alcohol or a soft drink. We also organise social gatherings during the year.
​

Communication Outside of Rehearsals

​Katie emails the band most weeks with information about rehearsals, upcoming events and gigs. We also have a private WhatsApp group for social chat and last minute notices. If you have any feedback or questions please email Katie.

Other Drum Groups run by Katie Mallard

Valley Beats Samba Band
Open to any adults from all walks of life. £5.50 per session
Wednesdays 10.00-11.30am, Holmfirth Tech, Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth HD9 3AR.
Thursdays in 10.00-11.30am, Denby Dale Methodist, Cumberworth Lane, HD8 8QS.
Drum Workshops and Parties in the Community
Private parties, schools, care homes, events, Scouts/Guides

Contact details

Banda’s Website:                      www.banda-na-rua.co.uk
Katie’s Website:                        www.rhythmstick.co.uk
Public Facebook:                      @bandanarua
Instagram                                 @bandanarua
Katie’s Email:                            [email protected]
Telephone:                               07736 049089 (urgent issues only please)
WhatsApp Chat Group:           Ask Katie for the link