SFCPA Represents Brazil at the FIFA World Cup™
The FIFA World Cup™ is the biggest sporting event in the world, and this summer, South Florida Center for Percussive Arts reached an incredible milestone by being selected to perform for Brazil fans at the highly anticipated Scotland vs. Brazil match on June 24, 2026 at Miami Stadium!
Representing SFCPA on this international stage, a dedicated group of volunteers and supporters proudly brought the energy and excitement of Brazilian samba to over 64,000 fans from around the world. Wearing limited edition green and yellow Drumming is Universal shirts, they shared the passion, joy, and vibrant culture that have become hallmarks of the SFCPA community. The performance became even more memorable through a unique collaboration with Blue Skye Pipes & Drums, blending the powerful traditions of Brazilian percussion with the iconic sound of Scottish bagpipes. It was a remarkable celebration of two musical cultures coming together—capturing the very spirit of the FIFA World Cup and reminding us that music has the power to connect people across borders, languages, and traditions.
This moment was particularly meaningful because Brazilian music and culture have become an important part of the SFCPA community. Over the years, Brazilian instrument maker Contemporânea has generously supported our mission by donating Brazilian drums used by our students and community, along with sticks, drumheads, and other equipment.
But the impact of this partnership goes far beyond the instruments themselves. Contemporânea has helped connect SFCPA with Brazilian artists who have shared their music, knowledge, and culture directly with our South Florida community through free and accessible workshops and educational experiences.
Having the opportunity to learn from artists who have grown up immersed in these musical traditions gives our students and community a much deeper understanding of the music they are playing. They are not simply learning rhythms—they are learning where the music comes from, the communities and celebrations it belongs to, and the history and culture carried within it. Through these experiences, participants can ask questions, hear stories, experience different approaches to playing, and build personal connections with the people who keep these traditions alive.
These exchanges are especially meaningful for our young musicians. Working side-by-side with professional Brazilian artists gives students access to mentors and cultural experiences that might otherwise feel worlds away. It encourages curiosity, respect, and a broader understanding of music. Most importantly, these opportunities are shared beyond just a small group of musicians. By offering workshops that are free and accessible, SFCPA is able to invite families, students, local musicians, and community members of different ages and experience levels to participate in that cultural exchange together.
To then bring our Contemporânea drums onto the World Cup stage and play samba for Brazil fans was an incredible full-circle moment. Those instruments have been used to teach children, welcome families into community workshops, connect Miami with visiting Brazilian artists, and celebrate Brazilian music at SFCPA. On this unforgettable day, they became part of an international celebration of Brazilian culture on one of the world's biggest stages.
Being invited to represent Brazil at a FIFA World Cup match was an extraordinary honor and one of the most significant milestones in SFCPA's history. Opportunities like this are only possible because of the incredible community that stands behind our mission. Every student, parent, teaching artist, volunteer, donor, and supporter plays a role in helping SFCPA grow and create meaningful experiences.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this unforgettable experience possible.
To our game day drummers—Alan, Barbara, Brenda, Emile, Flavia, Luisa, Maria, Michael, and Michelle: thank you for the dedication, passion, and energy you brought to this performance. Most of all, thank you for stepping forward to represent our SFCPA students who could not be there. Your presence made this opportunity meaningful not only for those onstage, but for every student whose hard work, spirit, and love of music you carried with you.
Thank you to Contemporânea, our new friends Blue Skye Pipes & Drums, the entire team at Hard Rock Stadium, FIFA, and a very special thank you to Mauricio, a student of SFCPA and the driving force of this opportunity from the very beginning. This was all made possible because of you.
We invite you to enjoy the videos below as we celebrate a truly historic moment for the SFCPA family.
