A break is any stop or change in the rhythm of the band. breaks are used to build excitement or to signal a change in the music.

The list of breaks that we play is always evolving as new breaks are born and old ones are retired, although some old favourites just keep on going.

Some breaks, like the turnaround, are common to all bands that play samba. Some are variations of other bands' breaks and some are original.

Most breaks run for a set length, and many samba breaks start with a turnaround, but some are also led in either by a count from the director or a call on the Repinique.

Some breaks are actually a change into a different rhythm which can go for any length of time - eg. 6/8, Afoxe and Funk.

 

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How to Play Breaks

Each break is normally signalled by the director of the band using hand gestures and by blowing on a whistle for attention.

When a break is signalled, it's not an indication that you must start playing the break immediately. It's just a signal of what change is about to occur.

It can take a while for the director to communicate the break signal to the entire band, this is why you must just keep playing and wait for the director to signal when to start the break.

The start signal from the director can be many things - a simple hand gesture, a count using the fingers, arms, voice or whistle, or a lead call with the repinique.

 

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Break Videos

Breaks change frequently, so the easiest way to record and learn them is through videos.

For lists of the breaks we currently play for each rhythm, please check the Repertoire page in this section.