Grooversity
Grooversity is an innovative drumming network envisioned and led by Brazilian percussionist Marcus Santos. Grooversity’s goal is to promote Afro-Brazilian percussion as an educational resource, entertainment and as a catalyst for social change. Grooversity focuses on community outreach for positive outcomes while targeting global diversity awareness.
Ensemble leader and teaching artist Marcus Santos, is a native of Bahia, Brazil. He commits his life to the study, teaching and performance of his hometown’s Afro-Brazilian music and heritage. He has led numerous workshops on Afro-Brazilian percussion and music for Social Change in universities and conventions around the world, including MIT, Harvard, Brown University and Universidad Central de Venezuela and the Percussion Arts Society International Convention in 2007 and 2010.
Programs Offered
Testimonials
Grooversity was AMAZING!!!! Marcus and his crew brought so much joy to our community today! We have a number of Brazilian students that connected with the language, dances and instruments in the presentation. For others, it was wonderful exposure to a new culture and style of music. Students were cheering and actively engaged. SO much fun learning and moving to the Afro-Brazilian beat! So many teachers shared their enthusiasm for the program. We even had a few parents connect shortly after school saying their kiddos were showing off new dance moves at home :)
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for helping to bring Grooversity to our school. The performances last Thursday were truly incredible. The group’s positive energy and upbeat performance truly inspired our students! They blended musical principles and Brazilian culture which made the programs incredibly educational and meaningful. The students will be talking about and reflecting on this performance for years to come!
I just wanted to let you know how amazing Grooversity was yesterday! They had the kids super engaged, up and moving! What a tremendous show. Thank you!
Marcus has been a partner of Stars Day Camp for a few years now. In the time we’ve gotten to work with Marcus and his team we have observed his incredible patience, great knowledge of his field, and strong connection with both staff and youth at our program. Marcus and his team have done a wonderful job implementing the arts into our summer camp. After a few days of lessons with the youth, Marcus and his team put on an amazing collaboration with the youth that has become the talk of the reservation. This past summer we had many partners of Hale reservation come to observe Grooversity featuring Stars Day Camp. We look forward to continuing to have Marcus join us for our summer program.
I wanted to let you know about the feedback I received from teachers and students regarding the event from today. It was a great success!
"Everyone raved about the music and dancing. Teachers were impressed with the crowd management. So many staff members commented on the clear enjoyment they saw on students' faces. Please try to add this event into the rotation of fun events at McC. "
Many times with performers the kids aren't engaged and the teachers can't relax as much because they are busy managing behavior in the group. Marcus gave the kids chances to be LOUD, to be QUIET, to MOVE, to laugh…
Our students were thoroughly engaged throughout the entire performance. We have a growing population of students from Brazil, and they were so excited to have school visitors who highlighted and affirmed their culture.