About Us
Big Noise Community Samba Band is made up of about 40 musicians, ranging in age from the young (members must be aged at least 14) to the young at heart!
Some of us have previous musical experience, some don't, but we all share a love for the samba-reggae sounds that we make together.
The beginning
Big Noise began in September 2007 when two samba players had a vision to form a Community Samba Band in Gosport.
We began with the help of Gosport Carnival Factory and within one year we formed a committee, became self funded and have survived ever since!
Ben Searle (full biography coming soon)
Ben has been with the band since he was 14 and as well as being part of the Big Noise family dynasty, he has honed his drumming skills to the extent that he is now our Musical Director
His youthful drive and enthusiasm will lead Big Noise for many years to come
Charlie Fletcher (Our Previous Musical Director)
Charlie Fletcher is an experienced percussionist, specialising in World Rhythms, and is also an accomplished guitarist and multi-instrumentalist who has taught in both formal and informal education settings.
In 2008 he completed his Post Graduate Diploma in World Music Studies where he visited The Gambia to conduct fieldwork both in local schools and with master Kora maker Alieu Suso.
As well as trying to keep us in line, he runs live events and music projects and has worked for many organisations including Music Fusion and Music in Detention and was also the co founder and Director of The Urban Vocal Group (http://theuvg.co.uk/)