The Repinique also plays an integral part in a batería. It is often played with only one short drum stick, with the non-master hand used to slap the surface of the drum skin. The repinique, which is of distinctively high sound, is a lead instrument in giving the calls and breaks in a composition. It is also frequently used in solos.

Joining a military-band-in-name (actually a concert band) in her secondary school was just a pure coincidence for Renee. She was placed in the percussion section when managed to drum out simple rhythms during the band audition. The next four years playing timpani and drumkit finally ignited her passion for drumming and performing. With a background as a percussionist, drumming seems like just the right thing to do there after.

Renee first came into contact with Samba music in university and continued playing even after graduation with Sambiesta. Having great fun playing with her wonderful samba mates is what keeps her passion in drumming. With the groovy music that awaits her, it's hard to resist not moving and playing to it.

Jerry has never undergone any form of musical training in the past until a chanced exposure to samba percussion music in 2005, and since then he was never the same man again. His love and passion for the music drove him to considerably improve his drumming skills within a short period in order to make up for “lost time”, as he still regrets till this day for not picking up a drumstick (or 2) earlier. He thoroughly enjoys leading the band during rehearsals and performances, as well as learning and sharing the music with fellow band mates and other sambistas.

Besides being a full-time student at SMU, Jerry also currently works part-time as a gym instructor. Though he may not look the part, he had been an active sportsman since primary school until the musical instinct took over. As he approaches graduation, he aspires to enter the banking and finance sector, but at the same time desires more free time to continue pursuing his interest in the music upon joining the workforce. He hopes to get paid like a CEO for drumming out loud! =Pp

Gerald's interest in drums and percussion started at a young age.
However, his talents began to develop seriously when he joined the Anglo Chinese School (Independent) Concert Band in 1998, at the age of 13. Gerald's aptitude and ability for percussion saw himself promoted to the Main Concert Band, after spending just 6 months in the Recruit Band. He was also part of the band that competed in the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) central judging competition in 1999 and 2001, which clinched a gold and a silver award respectively.

After graduating from Anglo Chinese School (Independent), Gerald went on to Raffles Junior College where he also joined the symphonic band. In 2003, he was part of the Raffles Junior College band that participated in the SYF central judging competition where they clinched the gold award and subsequently the title of “Top Band” award, out of all the other Junior Colleges bands.

Gerald currently spread my enthusiasm for drumming by tutoring various groups and schools in percussion and also serve in my church's music team.