For host groups interested in learning how to craft traditional Bahian style berimbaus (for use with Capoeira Angola, modern Capoeira, or just playing awesome music) at there own home location; this workshop is an immersion into the rich mythological, cultural, and magickal world of the gunga.
Come learn the ancient art and magical craft of the Afro-Brazilian musical bow in a two-day hands-on workshop with master gunga crafter Pererê. Each participant will learn how to make and than take home their very own handcrafted berimbau and caxixi - as well as acquire invaluable skills and knowledge that can be used for a lifetime. As all mestres advise: Learning how to make your own berimbau is a fundamental and vital skill for anyone studying on the capoeira path.
The experience will prove to be loads of fun, very entertaining, and filled to the gills with knowledge, cultural lore, stories AND absolutely useful skills for students of capoeira - and a great way to come together and make some new community connections!
Crafting a berimbau from basic natural materials. Part 1
Day one: Saturday 12 noon to 5pm – includes 30 min lunch break
What you will learn:
-Cutting, sanding & preparing a verga (bow)
-Opening, cleaning, sanding, and preparing a cabaca (gourd)
-Cord weaving
-Caxixi (basket rattle) making
Crafting a berimbau from basic natural materials. Part 2
Day two: Sunday 12 noon to 5pm - – includes 30 min lunch break
what you will learn:
-Extracting wire from a car tire
-Wire making for your bow
-Vaqueta (playing stick) making
-Choosing a moeda/dobrao(playing coin/stone)
conclusion
-Basic berimbau mending & repairs -Arming and tuning your berimbau
Extra discussions will explore:
-storage, care & transporting your berimbau
-berimbau design, decorating, and finishing ideas
-where & how to get materials and tools
-gunga mythology, lore, and history
-consciencious wild-crafting of materials for the intrepid
All materials & most tools for berimbau crafting will be provided by the instructor. Each student will need to bring their own small needle nose pliers and lunch for both days.
Instructor:
Pererê began learning how to craft berimbaus in 1991 during his visits to Bahia, Brazil and has since sent his crafted instruments to individual musicians, capoeira players and groups far and wide across North America. His long-time commitment to learning capoeira angola and the craft & art of the berimbau has brought him all around the country to offer these workshops and share his knowledge. Pererê is a graduated contramestre of capoeira angola and a disciple of the renowned mestre No of Salvador, Bahia Brazil. For more info check out www.palmaresnw.com
Participation is limited to 15 students
Workshop & Berimbau Materials fees available for interested inquiries. Contact Contramestre Pererê at: info@palmaresnw.com