A POPULAR samba band that has rocked at community events since it was formed 11 months ago is on the hunt for new members.
The Ravensworth-based Ovinos Samba band in their signature bright orange and white regalia have delighted crowds with their Brazilian-styled drumming at events including Cotherstone Fun Weekend, Eggleston Gala, Middleton-in-Teesdale and Staindrop carnivals as well as at The Witham in Barney and the Farmer Christmas parade.
Band leader, Martin Ordish, wants to drum up some new members.
He said: “There isn’t another samba band anywhere within a 20-mile radius of the area, as far as I know. We currently have 17 members but we could do with a few more. Ideally, we’d like to get 30 so there’s always a good representation at whatever event we do.”
Rehearsals take place every Monday evening at Ravensworth Village Hall. No previous experience in drumming is required. Mr Ordish added: “Myself and another drummer teach everyone the beats and songs and we have equipment available.
“The person at the front of the band is the caller and there are a whole series of gestures and hand signals involved to keep everybody in check.
“Basically, they are based on ‘ear-worms’ such as ‘sausages, sausages, I love sausages’. We play literally what you say and it is much easier to teach than kit drumming.”
Subs to the band, which go towards covering room hire and the website, cost £15 a month.
He said: “You get four training sessions a month and any money that is left over from paying for room hire and uniform we donate to the Great North Air Ambulance Service.
“Age isn’t a barrier we’ve had members as young as nine years old on a couple of events and our oldest is 68. We are not a stationary band, so we tend to say 16 years is the cut-off point as it can get tiring for younger people.”
Anyone interested in joining Ovinos Samba should contact Mr Ordish on 07412 632531.
