About EEDS

Founded in 2003, the Evanston Escola de Samba (EEDS) is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to bring the spirit of samba to the Chicagoland area through education and performance of Brazilian music and dance.

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, the EEDS fulfills its mission while building bridges across ethnic, generational, and social groups.

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.