Background

Founded in 2003, Evanston Escola de Samba (EEDS) is a 501(c)(3) year-round music education program based in Evanston, IL that offers classes in Brazilian percussion and samba dance for students of all ages. Apart from this programm we offer another one that is allowed students to learn about management and marketing, so more info about this educational program you may find here. 

EEDS is an educational initiative of Orquestra de Samba (ODS), a professional 10-piece Brazilian music ensemble that performs a variety of educational and concert programs in the greater Chicago area. The idea for EEDS was inspired by the samba schools of Rio De Janeiro, which gather large groups of percussionists, dancers and singers from all backgrounds to parade during the Brazilian Carnaval each year. Based on this framework, EEDS’s mission is to build bridges across ethnic, generational and social groups while encouraging intercultural dialogue through the teaching and performance of Brazilian music and dance.

EEDS offers workshops and residencies in the greater Chicago area as well as ongoing classes at the Music Institute of Chicago’s (MIC) Evanston campus. Classes at MIC are offered free to under served and at-risk youth and at family-friendly rates to the general population.

Advanced students are invited to serve as assistants and section leaders at ongoing classes, residencies and workshops. This creates a unique mentoring system that promotes development of leadership and communication skills, sense of personal responsibility, and self-esteem. Students are not required to have prior musical training and high quality instruments are provided. All students enrolled at EEDS are invited to participate in public performances as part of their curriculum.

General/Press Inquiries, and Booking
(residencies, workshops, and performances):
Chris Hasselbring
Director, Evanston Escola de Samba
1223 Hull Terrace #3F, Evanston, IL 60202

Tel: 847 404 1300

2009 Board of Directors:
Christopher Welna - President
Chris Hasselbring - Director
Susan Wenzel - Treasurer
Nilce Landau - Recording Secretary
Tom Wilson - Director of Marketing
Isaac DeLeeuwe
Takeshi Komiyama
Alice McNeil

Advisory Board:
Flavio Chamis
Bernadete Beserra
Carlos Borges