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Hey Gary! Can you tell us about your journey with music and what led you to start Swan Samba?
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I started learning guitar at secondary school (South London) and even though I didn’t vocalise it at the time I was hooked on its many benefits, including confidence, creativity, escape and the emotional calm it offers.
I then went to BRIT school and studied bass and later studied the sociology of music in Glasgow and then closer to home in Kingston. After training to be a teacher, I then found a love for percussion and samba, playing in various bands and blocos and then delivering similar content in classes across Hampshire.

In 2019 I formed Swan Samba, a fusion drum and movement band for all ages and abilities. The class has now become a vibrant community of supportive and lovely individuals from all backgrounds.
I’m incredibly proud of our achievements so far and is a band comprising of mostly people who have never played an instrument before and have joined Swan Samba for a variety of reasons, including trying something new, fitness, confidence or musical progression in a unique setting.

We are now starting up factions of the band in new locations, to spread the love of drumming and movement through DIY content and training packages.
The mission is to get as many people together as possible, celebrate learning and making music and raise collective connection and wellbeing in these challenging times.

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Swan Samba isn’t just about performance; it’s about community. What does drumming mean to you on a personal level?

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Drumming is life! It’s release, escape, connection. The proof is in the journey of our class/band members: soon after they join they begin to realise there are many hidden benefits to drumming and moving as part of a band.

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Your Drum for Health project is incredible. How have you seen drumming make a difference in people’s lives?

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Thank you! I’m immensely proud of all the projects, events and fundraising activities Swan Samba have done. ‘Drum for Health’ is definitely the most ambitious and is an attempt to bring a taste of what we do and believe in to others, whether it’s to groups and communities that wouldn’t otherwise consider doing it, or whether it is linking up with bands from far away and forming a support network.

‘Drum for Health’ workshops we’ve run have made a lasting impact on communities and has received a lot of positive feedback. This has included corporate wellbeing retreats, charitable work (including adults suffering with addiction) and numerous schools and community organisations.

In short, I’d love to hear from anyone and everyone that would love to be a part of this special project!

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As someone surrounded by sound, rhythm and energy everyday, are there moments when silence or quiet is just as important to you?
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Oh, definitely. I think if I’m honest, I use music and sound as a form of control and release, to channel myself away from being distracted and the noise of everyday life. But it is real important that we all have moments of silence throughout the day and require these quiet moments to reset or wind down.

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We recently gifted Swan Samba members Earshade. We’d love to hear how they’re being used and what difference they’re making during rehearsals and performances!

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We loved receiving our Earshade plugs! I’ve used a lot of ear protection over the years of teaching and have found these to be comfortable, easy to use and discrete. Our main classes can be really loud so it is vital that we have quality ear protection to block our ears from what can be damaging frequencies and Flare Earshade do exactly that. They also come in our main band colours of black and blue so it was clearly meant to be!