Info

What is Loco Bloco?

Loco Bloco was founded 13 years ago in the Mission district of San Francisco. Bloco is a teendriven organization comprised of 10-19 year olds who learn the art of drumming and dancing in the Brazilian style.

Bloco's are organizations in the Brazilian Carnaval tradition that is dedicated to enlivening the life of the community through music, dance, and education.

The objectives of the Bloco Programs are to provide youth the opportunity to raise academic standards, reduce teen pregnancy and high school drop out rates and discourage gang participation. This is accomplished through building positive self-esteem, embracing personal discipline, developing commitment to the community and building musical
skills. Bloco's also instills a sense of cultural pride within the program. This program is open to all youth: both boys and girls of all ethnic backgrounds and economic status are welcome.



What is the 4-H Drum & Dance Program?

The program provides lessons twice a week in both drumming and dancing for middle and high school teens. Teens meet after school for two hours of instruction and practice. The music embraces both cultural expression and exercise. Additionally healthy snacks are served to encourage teens to adopt healthy eating habits. Once the youth have developed their drum or dance skills, they perform at various local, state and national events and share their talents with others.

Every May, the Windsor troupe joins the parent group of Loco Bloco for an annual performance in San Francisco’s Carnaval.

In the six years since it’s inception, 4-H Bloco Drum and Dance has grown from a core of 10 members to an ensemble of over 60 members.



What is 4-H About?

The UC Youth Development Program is a major contributor to the creation of innovative programs supporting the development of youth. Programming began with rural youth over 100 years ago. Today, 4-H programs are found in both urban and rural communities.

Program includes:

• Project-based learning: experiential education activities and leadership development for youth

• Adult and youth volunteer leadership: strengthening the capacities of individuals to work with others in their communities

• Programs: establishing 4-H clubs, summer camps, after-school programs, rope-adventure courses, and other delivery modes

• Community partnerships: developing interagency cooperation in programs, training, funding, and evaluation

• University resources: linking research, curricula and expertise to agencies, communities and people


How is 4-H Related to Bloco Drum and Dance?

The 4-H program is based on Experiential Education (Hands-on & Learn-by-Doing). The
4-H Program partners with the Windsor School District to provide a safe after school program
for youth. The facilities for the activities are located at the Windsor Middle and High School
campuses and include several key staff members who serve as liaisons.

Members of the Bloco drum and dance are enrolled in 4-H and participate in the program as a music club. They are also able to join in other 4-H activities and events. 4-H also provides both medical and liability insurance to the members and also funds a portion of the program through a Children, Youth, and Families At Risk (CYFAR) Grant. We also accept donations to help fund programs, fundraise and seek additional grant monies.

The Sonoma County 4-H Drum and Dance program participates with San Francisco Loco
Bloco as a satellite North Bay Troupe for the annual Carnaval’ parade each May. The
Sonoma youth attend additional classes in San Francisco twice a week in April and May in
order to learn the drum music and dance steps for the parade. In addition to the parade, we
are also invited to participate in many other Loco Bloco performances throughout the state.