From the vibrant streets of Brazil to the heart of Madison, the Handphibians’ journey is a rhythm that’s pulsed with passion, community, and the spirit of celebration.
What started as a small group of percussion enthusiasts has grown into a cultural force, bringing the infectious energy of Brazilian music to the Midwest.
Join us as we look back at the milestones that shaped us, the people who inspired us, and the moments that made us groove.
Handphibians Timeline
Robert Schoville Visits Brazil
In the summer of 1997, Madisonian and Handphibians’ founder, Robert Schoville, took a trip with a few friends to Brazil.
First Madison Carnaval
The Handphibians launched their inaugural Madison Carnaval in 2000, introducing the city’s first major celebration of Brazilian culture. This event set the stage for an enduring tradition of vibrant music, dance, and community spirit that continues to thrive today.
Handphibians Leadership Attend California Brazil Camp
In 2007, Handphibians members Tom, Tony, and Zach, along with others, attended the California Brazil Camp, where they connected with master teachers and deepened their understanding of Brazilian percussion. This experience enriched the group’s repertoire and brought new energy and techniques back to Madison.
Jorge Alabê Teaches The Handphibians
In 2009, the Handphibians welcomed master drummer Jorge Alabê to Madison for an immersive samba workshop. His expertise in Rio-style samba brought a new level of authenticity and skill to the group’s performances, leaving a lasting impact on their musical journey.
Scott Kettner Introduces Maracatu to The Handphibians
In 2009, Scott Kettner joined the Handphibians to teach the powerful rhythms of Maracatu. His guidance expanded the group’s musical horizons, adding the rich, Afro-Brazilian tradition of Maracatu Baque de Virado to their growing repertoire.
Dendê Macêdo Teaches Samba Afro and Samba Reggae
In 2010, Dendê Macêdo brought the vibrant beats of Samba Afro and Samba Reggae to the Handphibians. His influence infused the group with the rhythmic traditions of Bahia, enriching their sound with the dynamic energy of these Afro-Brazilian styles.
Handphibians Formalize Structure with Membership, Board of Directors, and Incorporation
In 2013, the Handphibians formalized their organizational structure by establishing membership dues and adopting articles of incorporation. They also created a Board of Directors to guide the group’s mission and growth. This milestone marked an important step in solidifying the Handphibians as a sustainable and community-driven organization, ensuring their ability to continue sharing the rhythms of Brazilian percussion for years to come.
Handphibians Establish “The Quadra” as Dedicated Rehearsal Space
In 2016, the Handphibians transitioned from weekly rehearsals in a living room to renting a dedicated studio space, officially naming it The Quadra. This move marked a significant upgrade for the group, providing them with a professional environment to refine their craft and accommodate their growing membership. The new rehearsal space allowed the Handphibians to enhance their musicality and continue building a strong sense of community.
Handphibians Compose First Original Maracatu Song: “Maracatu Handphibians”
The Handphibians reached an important creative milestone with the composition of their first original Maracatu song, "Maracatu Handphibians", with lyrics written by Eric Molion. This piece marked the group's deepening connection to the rich traditions of Maracatu, blending their unique style with the powerful rhythms of Brazil. The song laid the foundation for future original works and showcased the Handphibians' commitment to both honoring and innovating within the Maracatu tradition.
Handphibians Studio Recording of Original Enredo “A Nossa Bateria”
The Handphibians reached a key creative milestone by recording their original enredo, "A Nossa Bateria", at Blasthouse Studios. This marked the group's first professional studio recording of an enredo, capturing the energy and spirit of their unique sound. The recording highlighted the group's dedication to bringing Brazilian rhythms to a wider audience while celebrating their own musical journey.
Handphibians’ Original Enredo “A Nossa Bateria” Wins MAMA Award for Best World Song
The Handphibians celebrated a proud achievement when their original enredo, "A Nossa Bateria", was awarded Best World Song at the Madison Area Music Awards (MAMA). This recognition highlighted the group's growing impact on the local music scene and their dedication to honoring Brazilian musical traditions through original compositions. The award was a testament to the Handphibians' talent, creativity, and the power of their collective rhythm.
First Original Samba Afro Song Composed: “Dia de Festa” for Dendê
The Handphibians composed their first original Samba Afro song, "Dia de Festa" (Day of Celebration), as a tribute to master percussionist Dendê. In a special moment for the group, Dendê personally visited Madison for a workshop and he gave the composition his stamp of approval. The song marked a new creative chapter for the Handphibians.
Second Original Maracatu Song Composed: “O Ritmo do Povo Não Para”
The Handphibians reached an exciting creative milestone with the composition of their second original Maracatu song, "O Ritmo do Povo Não Para" (The Rhythm of the People Doesn't Stop). This powerful new piece celebrated the group's deepening connection to Brazilian rhythms and the Maracatu tradition, showcasing their evolving musical expression while honoring cultural roots.
Second Original Enredo Composed: “Samba Na Alma” in Honor of Ótimo Dance
The Handphibians proudly composed their second original enredo, "Samba Na Alma" (Samba in the Soul), as a tribute to their longtime collaborators, Ótimo Dance. This vibrant samba honors the spirit and energy of the dancers who have brought the group's performances to life. The composition celebrates the fusion of music and movement, deepening the connection between the Handphibians' rhythms and Ótimo's artistry, and highlighting the beauty of their ongoing collaboration.
Handphibians Attend L.A. Samba Congress, Invite Mangueira Director Ailton Nunes to Madison
Key members of the Handphibians traveled to the L.A. Samba Congress, where they had the opportunity to learn from master teachers and deepen their expertise in Brazilian samba. During the event, they met Ailton Nunes, the esteemed director of Rio de Janeiro’s renowned Mangueira samba school, and extended an invitation for him to visit Madison. Shortly afterward, Ailton came to Madison, offering the Handphibians and the local community an unforgettable opportunity to learn directly from one of samba’s most influential leaders.
First-Ever Virtual Madison Carnaval Held Due to COVID
In March of 2021, the Handphibians made history by hosting the first-ever virtual Madison Carnaval. The online event had wonderful turnout, featuring a live-streamed documentary that explored the group's history, collaborations, and the Carnaval tradition. The virtual celebration also showcased videos of past performances, bringing the energy of previous years to screens everywhere. Despite the pandemic, the Handphibians kept the Carnaval spirit alive, uniting the community in a new digital format.
Madison Carnaval 2024
The Handphibians hit another milestone with fantastic attendance at Madison Carnaval 2024. It was an unforgettable night celebrating the spirit of Brazilian music and culture with high-energy performances, dancing, and community connection. The event's success underscored Madison's growing enthusiasm for Madison Carnaval and the Handphibians’ role in keeping the tradition alive and thriving.
Handphibians Secure Fiscal Sponsorship with Create Wisconsin Inc.
The Handphibians achieved a key milestone by securing fiscal sponsorship with Create Wisconsin Inc. This partnership enabled the group to expand its community programming and bring the vibrant rhythms of Brazilian percussion to a wider audience in Madison and beyond. With the support of Create Wisconsin Inc., the Handphibians were able to take on larger projects and strengthen their impact in the local arts scene.
Handphibians Host Pitoco de Aira for Workshop at The Quadra
The Handphibians had the honor of hosting acclaimed percussionist Pitoco de Aira at The Quadra for an intimate workshop. Pitoco, a leader in Maracatu Nação Estrela Brilhante do Recife, shared his extensive knowledge of Pernambuco’s rich musical traditions. The session focused on caixa and alfaia techniques, introduced new toadas (songs) from Maracatu Raízes de África, and included insightful discussions about the cultural roots of Maracatu. Beyond music, Pitoco also embraced Madison’s culture, enjoying a brat with sauerkraut—a local staple—marking a memorable exchange of traditions.
Did we miss a key milestone?
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