Caitlin
Small Surdo, Caixa and Leader
I joined Street Heat in June 2014 after seeing the band play at the Tiverton Canal celebration, at which I was taken by the infectious rhythm. Previously, I have played the small surdo in a school samba band, and I wanted to take this a step further. I am a musical person; I am a grade 4 violinist and I am also graded on the piano and the bass guitar (that said you don’t have to have any instrumental experience before joining us!).
Before I joined Street Heat, I saw another samba band at a school music festival, many years ago. After seeing Street Heat perform with their outstanding costumes and energetic aura, I knew that this band was for me.
Street Heat has certainly given me the confidence to try many new things. Who thought that the quiet girl walking through the doors in 2014 would evolve into a leader of the band?! I’ve also had experience in a variety of roles across the band which have really helped to enhance my CV whether that’s editing the website to strengthen my case to study computer science at university, or being a band co-ordinator and managing different opinions on the musical direction of the band.
As for what is my favourite song – each one has a different aspect that I love (especially with different patterns on the surdo and the caixa). Gigging is a great experience for me, no matter if we are performing under a gazebo in the pouring rain, doing thriving parades in towns, or on a stage in front of an audience.