On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the courtyard of Centro Educativo João Paulo II was filled with new sounds, rhythms, and meanings during the first percussion class led by maestro Alin Gonçalves, marking the beginning of a new phase for an activity that is already part of the institution’s history. Percussion, which has been present in the daily life of the Center for years, especially through the traditional Folia de Reis, so important to the local culture, now takes on a more structured role. Previously, classes with the instructor took place occasionally, mainly focused on rehearsals for this celebration, but the enthusiasm and growing interest of the students led to the initiative of making the activity continuous.

As with any inaugural class, the first meeting was also a moment of welcome and adaptation. The teacher and students began with a conversation circle, introducing themselves, aligning expectations, and establishing guidelines for the proper functioning of the classes. Then, the students had the opportunity to explore the percussion instruments, such as repique, dobra, and surdo, experimenting with sounds, discovering affinities, and learning, in this first contact, the roles and correct ways to play each one.

Little by little, what were once isolated sounds began to transform into a collective rhythm. Even in this first meeting, it was already possible to notice the connection among participants and the emergence of a shared musical construction, marked by listening, respect, and collaboration.

When asked about the impact of art on the development of young people, professor Alin highlighted:

“The impact of music on students’ lives is positive and transformative. Arts education helps with development and learning, while also reconnecting them with the ancestry and history of drums. Understanding this journey helps students value culture more and engage with responsibility. This class is the beginning of a process that will grow and bear many fruits.”

For the students, the experience is already leaving its mark. Matheus, one of the participants, shared:

“I started in percussion because of my father, who is a musician, and I have always been veery interested in these instruments. I,m happy about the opportunity to take part in the classes. What I enjoy the most is playing in a group, with everyone synchronized, because that makes the experience really special.”

Thus, the first class was not just the beginning of an extracurricular activity, but the start of a journey of learning, expression, and collective building. With rhythm, history, and identity, percussion promises to resonate for a long time within the Centro Educativo João Paulo II and, most importantly, in the development of every student who experiences it.