Jorge Alabê with the UWYO Percussion Studio - Tonibobe/Aluja for Xango - Candomblé

Master Drummer, Jorge Alabê, joins the University of Wyoming Percussion Ensemble with guests Carl Dixon, Kebrina Josefina De Jesús, and Xande Johnson. Over a multiple day residency, Jorge Alabê and friends taught gave UWYO students a deep dive into the Afro-Brazilian drumming tradition of Candomblé and Pagode.

Carl Dixon and Xande Johnson of Virada drums helped lead the ensemble through traditional Samba music, Pagode, and Candomble while Kebrina Josefina De Jesús of the dance company, Samba Colorado, led UWYO students in various Brazilian dance styles and can be seen here demonstrating the traditional dances of Candomblé.

The UWYO Percussion ensemble is directed by Andy Wheelock and offers students the opportunity to study and perform traditional music from all over the world as well as seminal works for the ensemble and newly composed music. The ensemble hosts world renowned guest artists each semester and affords its members the opportunity to perform alongside of, and learn from, some of the most prolific percussionists in the world.

If you would like to learn more about the music department at the University of Wyoming. Please visit our website at https://www.uwyo.edu/music/department-of-m....

Many of the instruments played were provided by Carl Dixon and Virada drums, which as a company imports the most authentic and highest quality Brazilian made drums. https://viradadrums.com/

A special thank you to Carl for his work with the UWYO Percussion Ensemble over several years as well as to UWYO music student, Marlon Rissato, for his work recording and producing this video.