Lisa’s love of the Brazilian beat

When Lisa first moved into the area she felt quite isolated in her little village. She didn’t know anyone and there didn’t seem to be that many opportunities to get out and meet people and get involved in the community.  Lisa’s daughter attended the school in the next building to Jack Drum Art. She would often hear the sound of drums drifting in from the band rehearsal next door. The music piqued her interest and curiosity, sparking a desire to get more involved.

Give it a go – have some fun

Then Lisa  saw an advert for Baque De Ogum, a maracatu band who were looking for new drummers.. With no previous musical experience and never having played an instrument, Lisa was hesitant. But the invitation sounded relaxed and welcoming

“Come and have some fun, join a Brazilian band, no experience necessarily, give it a go”

To Lisa that sounded like fun so she decided to give it a go. To her surprise, she fell in love with the music and the sense of community almost immediately.

“I’ve never heard music like it – its mind blowing”

Initially, Lisa’s lack of a musical background was a concern for her. She questioned whether she could learn the rhythms and songs that defined maracatu, a complex Afro-Brazilian style of drumming. As a beginner, she was anxious about keeping up with more experienced drummers.

After joining Baque De Ogum, she realized that most of the band members were also in the Runaway Samba Band. When the samba band offered beginner sessions, Lisa eagerly signed up, even though she still had doubts about her abilities. Learning multiple rhythms and integrating into a long-established band seemed like a huge leap.

Leader of the band
Despite her initial worries, Lisa thrived in the supportive environment. What she appreciated most was the band’s relaxed way of doing things—there were no rigid fees or expectations.

“There’s no expectations its very much about having fun.”

She was able to learn at her own pace, and the emphasis was on enjoyment and being part of the group. Over time, Lisa learned the rhythms, gained confidence, and eventually started playing the mid drum as the lead drummer. While taking on this role felt intimidating, she received constant support from the other members, who were always there to help her improve. She loves the fact there’s always new directions and new challenges.

“There’s guest presenters who come along and show us music from different regions, all which keeps it alive and keeps it fresh.” 

Her first live gig felt like a huge personal achievement. Performing for an audience not only solidified her connection to the band but also ignited a desire to stay deeply involved.

“Its not just you on your own, you’re part of the band and it’s great to interact with the audience”

She often found that after a stressful day at work, drumming would lift her spirits—“even if I’ve had a bad day, the music improves my mood. It’s so uplifting.”

Part of a wider community
For Lisa, drumming is more than just playing music; it’s about being part of something bigger.

“Its not just about the community here it’s about the wider community, the band have a very strong connection to Brazil.”

The sense of community extended beyond local boundaries, with the band participating in events like the Miners’ Gala alongside other groups from Edinburgh and London.

One of the most important aspects of her experience is the social interaction that comes with it—making friends, learning new skills, and being part of a team. She finds the hypnotic rhythms of Brazilian drums so powerful that she often hears them in her head for days after playing. This collective spirit keeps her motivated, and she always looks forward to new projects and performances.
Lisa’s journey with Brazilian drums, from her first hesitant steps to becoming a lead drummer, transformed her from a newcomer feeling isolated to a confident member of a vibrant musical community. The combination of uplifting music, supportive bandmates, and the joy of live performance has enriched her life, giving her a sense of purpose and belonging. What started as a fun hobby turned into a passion that continues to offer her new experiences, both musically and socially.