From Performance to Archive and Back: Learning and Transmission of Músicas de Boi de Máscaras

This study explores the learning and performance practices of Músicas de Boi, integral to the festivity Boi de Máscaras in São Caetano de Odivelas, Pará. Many aspects of the processes involved in the learning and memorization of music remain poorly understood. Our research, conducted during the June 2024 festivities, delves into how this musical repertoire is archived, learned, and transmitted within the community. This happens in exchange with the current archiving of musical data for preservation. Músicas de Boi, encompassing sambas and marches, are performed by Orquestras de Boi, which consist of brass and percussion sections. Musicians typically rehearse briefly before the festivity, often relying on a mixture of oral and written traditions for learning new compositions. This hybrid approach is exemplified by the recent archiving of the Boi Faceiro repertoire, which combines audio recordings and transcriptions. The archival materials have proven essential for both preserving the tradition and facilitating remote learning, as demonstrated by one author's experience preparing for the 2024 performances. The study highlights the structured yet spontaneous nature of the festivity, where community participation and musical improvisation are key. Memory aids like sheet music play a supportive role, helping musicians navigate the complex repertoire. The findings suggest that the repetitive and structured nature of the music aids in memorization, supporting theories of music cognition that emphasize predictability and pattern recognition. The study also underscores the importance of archiving and documenting musical traditions to ensure their continuity and valorization, offering insights into the interplay between informal learning and structured preservation in community music settings.