Association of the Songwriters' Movement of Baixada Fluminense
The Associação do Movimento de Compositores da Baixada Fluminense is a non-profit organization, created and legalized in late 1991, founded by Coquinho do Vilar, Bernard Von Der Weid, Lena de Souza, Ronaldinho da Matriz, and Amarildo Cardoso. It is located in São João de Meriti - Baixada Fluminense – RJ.
The AMC Music School Project promotes the rescue of citizenship, social inclusion, and professional training, always valuing our cultural roots.
Working with an age range of 8 to 18, the AMC music school is a pillar of art in its students' lives, marking them with the beauty of music — students who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to produce and express music.
What makes it so special is the fact that it provides instruments to students, making music education accessible to those who, unfortunately, could not afford the costs of an instrument. They offer a variety of studies in instruments, such as guitar, cavaquinho, clarinet, recorder, transverse flute, percussion instruments, and music theory.
The Feijão Circle
The Roda de Feijão is a project by the AMC that consists of bringing composers and musicians engaged with their cultural roots to the School. These artists are always, and only, accompanied by the instructors and, occasionally, some student monitors or more advanced AMC students. The openings of the Rodas are done by groups of more beginner students.
During the weeks leading up to the gatherings, the entire Music School gets involved with the guests' repertoires. These Gatherings provide greater integration between the students, their families, and the community.
Among the guests over the course of the story are: Tia Surica, Nilze Carvalho, Hildmar Diniz (Monarco), Wilson das Neves, A Velha Guarda do Império Serrano, among many others.
Image description: This is a photograph of a group of people gathered in an indoor setting, possibly a music practice room. In the foreground, we see a white table with musical instruments, including guitars and other music-related objects. On the left, an individual is playing a guitar, while on the right, another person is holding a microphone. In the center, a woman is playing a guitar, and beside her, a man is seated with his arms crossed. In the background, other people are spread around the room, some appearing to be watching the musical activity. The walls are decorated with pictures and notices, and there is an open door in the background.The Fate of the AMC
Choosing the AMC (Associação do Movimento de Compositores) as the theme of our project for Rio Memórias was a way of giving visibility to an initiative deeply rooted in the Baixada Fluminense, which has been transforming lives through music for decades.
Image description: The image is a photograph of a musical performance. From left to right, there are four children wearing white t-shirts with the inscription "AMC" in red. They are holding musical instruments, possibly drums, and appear to be singing or playing. The background is a vibrant yellow.The AMC is not just a music school — it is a symbol of cultural resistance, access, and belonging, especially for young people from the periphery. Its history shows how art can be a tool for inclusion, citizenship, and dignity.
By highlighting it, we recognize the importance of valuing cultural movements that, even outside the major centers, keep Brazilian musical identity alive, promoting education, professionalization, and new life perspectives. AMC's destiny is to continue as a benchmark of social transformation, expanding its reach, training new generations of artists, and further strengthening the role of culture as the foundation of a fairer, richer, and more plural society.
References
https://escolamc.com.br/ https://www.youtube.com/@amcdabaixadafluminense
Social media:
YouTube: AMC da Baixada Fluminense Instagram: @escolamc Facebook: AMC da Baixada Fluminense Website: https://escolamc.com.br/ Address: Rua Duque de Caxias, 536 - Vilar dos Teles, São João de Meriti – RJ Contact: (21) 99314-7378
