Life & Work with Clarice Cast

Today we’d like to introduce you to Clarice Cast.

Hi Clarice, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Well, I was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil and my journey into the world of music kicked off at the age of 12. Out of curiosity, a young me started teaching myself the Pandeiro (famous Brazilian Tambourine) prior to the internet and my passion for this instrument is what started it all. Little did I know my humble beginnings would lead to becoming a professional musician today. When I was around 15, I asked my mom for drum set and percussion lessons. Even though that was a sacrifice to my family, she gave me all the support. Two years later, I was accepted into a public music conservatory in São Paulo, and at the age of 17, I was hired for my first paying gig. In that moment, I knew this was the path for me. The idea of doing something I loved and getting paid for it was made possible that day and I’ve never looked back. Music has taken me to many places and I’ve met so many wonderful people and lifelong friends along the way. I was fortunate to get a Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance at Northern Illinois University and a Master of Fine Arts in World Percussion at the California Institute of the Arts.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road at all but it’s all a part of the experience. Female musicians often face challenges such as gender bias, unequal opportunities, and stereotypes. Breaking through these barriers requires resilience, determination, and ongoing efforts to promote gender equality in the music industry. I am among these women and standing up for myself as a female musician has always served as fuel for me to keep going.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in Brazilian percussion, with a focus on Afro-Brazilian music and the Pandeiro. My passion lies in bringing the vibrant rhythms of Brazil to life. Known for my technical proficiency and a touch of humor (ask some of my students at the California Brazil Camp), my performances showcase the versatility of percussion, turning it into a storytelling of instruments. This has given me the opportunity to work with big names throughout my career and even led to a Grammy nomination. I take pride in infusing humor into my shows, creating a connection with the audience beyond just the beats. What sets me apart is not just my technical skills but also my ability to bridge cultures through music. I’ve had the privilege of sharing my expertise internationally, teaching workshops, collaborating with diverse musicians, performing on global stages, and to world leaders.

What are your plans for the future?
I’m thrilled to share that my focus for the future centers around the launch of my second Pandeiro method book. This project condenses my years of expertise into a comprehensive guide, catering to both beginners and those looking to refine their pandeiro skills and learn Brazilian rhythms and beyond. The method book covers fundamentals and advanced techniques, offering a structured approach to learning. I aim to conduct workshops and masterclasses based on the book, fostering a global community of percussion and pandeiro enthusiasts. My goal is to contribute to the broader understanding and appreciation of Brazilian percussion, making the joy of playing the pandeiro accessible to learners worldwide. This project represents my commitment to preserving and sharing the rich tradition of the pandeiro on a global scale.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.claricecast.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claricecast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063695527815
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/claricecast

Image Credits
Allie Prescott Jorge Vismara Diego Ruvalcaba