COME DRUM WITH US!
JOIN FOGO AZUL
Want to Learn to Play Drums in NYC? Join Fogo Azul.
Fogo Azul is always accepting new members, previous drumming experience is NOT required.
No experience? No problem. Fogo Azul NYC is always bringing in new members! We’ll teach you everything from scratch. If you’ve got energy, commitment, and the ability to not ghost the band, you’re already ahead of the game. While FogoAzul is a women centered space, we welcome trans and non-binary individuals. For centuries, women were expected to dance while men played the drums. We reject that narrative. Fogo Azul was created to flip the script: to put drums into the hands of those who were never handed them before. All you need is dedication, a sense of rhythm (we’ll help you find it), and a desire to be part of something bold, loud, and powerful.
Please read the following information, and then fill out the new member inquiry form at the bottom of the page!
LEARN TO PLAY BRAZILIAN DRUMS!
The first step is to experience Fogo Azul.
Sign up to observe rehearsals to see what we do and attend an Aspiring Members workshop where you learn about the cultural roots of the music we play and master a few rhythms with the help of veteran Fogo Azul members.
Here’s the Deal: First and foremost, Fogo Azul is a band. Attendance at rehearsals and performances is required-if you’re unable to come to weekly rehearsals and shows, this may not be the space for you.
Currently, we rehearse inside public schools in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. We have rotating weeknight rehearsals, and sometimes rehearse on Sundays. Membership in Fogo Azul NYC is fun, however we do require you to have regular and consistent availability for rehearsals and performances. We have performances on weekday evenings and weekends, with some rare workday performances. Rehearsals are run in the traditional Brazilian style of repetition, there is no requirement to read music.
💥 What to Know Before Joining Fogo Azul NYC
We are a band, not a drum circle.
We rehearse to perform. This is a performance group, not a collective, jam session, or consensus-based project.Artistic direction comes from one leader.
Fogo Azul NYC is led by one Artistic Director who makes final decisions in the best interest of the band. Input from members is welcomed when requested, but not every idea gets a vote.Professionalism is expected.
Members are expected to:Work well with other adults
Communicate clearly and respectfully
Show up ready to learn, support each other, and get better together
We value and celebrate diversity.
Our community thrives on mutual respect, inclusion, and appreciation of each other’s differences.
🥁 Membership Costs & Drum Package
Monthly Membership Fee: $40, sliding scale
Covers operational costs, rehearsal space, insurance, and admin.Drum Package (on loan): Includes a drum, sticks, and belt.
Deposit: $185
Held in a secure bank account
Returned when you leave the band (unless you owe dues, then dues will be deducted from the drum deposit)
Equipment must be returned within 7 days of leaving
You are responsible for your equipment.
Maintain it, clean it, and bring it to every rehearsal and gig.Special exceptions to use your own gear may be made on a case-by-case basis.
🎶 Rehearsals & Expectations
These are not music lessons.
Rehearsals are focused and structured around Fogo Azul’s performance repertoire. We do not offer beginner drum classes or open playtime. Our goal= performances!Tech requirements:
Reliable internet access
Smartphone and a basic understanding of app based communication and scheduling.
An email address you check daily
Email is our main method of communication, don’t miss important updates.
Matching Shirts. Rehearsals. One artistic director. That’s how we run a band! Let’s GO!!!!!!
