Caixa (kai sha)

This instrument was originally found in Portuguese marching bands. Its a snare drum, usually made of aluminium with guitar type string as the snare. It can be played at waist height or held at shoulder height. Its function is to give rhythmical stability. It provides a carpet of sound that the rest of the instruments sit on top of.

Surdo

These are bass drums and are usually played with one hand and a mallet. We, like most samba schools in Rio use three sizes of Surdo. Surdo de Primeira and Surdo de Segunda (first and second surdo) are used to mark the beat while Surdo de Terceira (third surdo), tuned slightly higher, plays complex rhythmical patterns which provide more melody and help to change the energy of the sound. Mangueira Samba School in Rio use only 2 Surdos, Primeira and Terceira.

Repinique (hepin eek)

One of the more African influenced instruments in the Bateria. It works with the Caixa to provide the rhythmical stability. It is also a solo instrument and is used to call in the whole Bateria. In Rio it’s played with one stick and one bare hand.

Chocalho (shu khall io)

Usually metal or wood framed with aluminum platinellas (jingles). The Chocalho (or shaker) adds more drive and swing to the Bateria.

Agogo

Typically African from Yoruba land in Nigeria. The Agogo can be found in many different forms all over Brazil. With its two toned conical bells, it’s played with a stick and it provides melody to the Bateria.

Tamborim

This is the most rhythmically complex instrument in the Bateria. Simple in construction and very unassuming. Carreteiro (kahe tey ru) is the word most commonly used to describe the technique of turning the Tamborim which makes its characteristic galloping sound. It is also used to play long rhythmical phrases to complement the samba that is being sung.