معرفی
Brian Rice is a Lecturer in Music and Director of Samba and Afro-Cuban Percussion at the University of California, Davis. He also teaches Brazilian music at UC Berkeley and the California Jazz Conservatory. Specializing in Brazilian and Cuban percussion, Rice is a renowned performer, educator, and recording artist, with over sixty recordings to his name. He founded Samba Seattle and the Afro-Cuban Folkloric Collective, and co-directs the Berkeley Festival of Choro.
Education:
- Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance and Ethnomusicology from Oberlin Conservatory of Music
Research & Performance: Rice focuses on Brazilian and Afro-Cuban musical traditions, including samba, choro, and folkloric drumming. He directs UC Davis' Samba Bateria and Afro-Cuban Ensemble, and performs with groups like Tres Baias, Wake the Dead, and the Berkeley Choro Ensemble. His work bridges classical, jazz, and world music, emphasizing cultural preservation and cross-genre collaboration.
Advising & Grants:
- Recipient of grants including SF Intermusic for the Berkeley Choro Ensemble's CD 'The View From Here'
- Directed the Berkeley Festival of Choro since its inception, spotlighting women composers and Brazilian musical heritage
Labs/Teams: Active in ensembles like Cascada de Flores and Tres Baias, and founder of the Berkeley Choro Festival. His workshops span California and internationally, emphasizing pandeiro technique and Afro-Brazilian rhythms.
