Samba Roc

Robert Owen Communities is a charity organisation that offers opportunities to people with learning disabilities in Devon and Cornwall which are supported living, learning and training, residential care, work and social enterprise. In learning and training we have the samba band which is based at roc creative at the palace avenue in Paignton.

Created in 2002 they started with some donated equipment and a few willing volunteers. In 2006 the band were presented a brand new Mercedez mini bus by Damon Hill which enabled them to travel further to gigs.  Many gigs were played since then around the Torbay area but also representing Torbay in the outside. Their latest achievement was the Torbay Centenary Carnival 2008 at the Paignton Green.  Because of their enthusiasm and hard work they won the first price and a cup in the category of band and majorettes. They performed also at the Olympic flag hand over for the London 2012 . They are also playing through schools like Bidwell Brook, fairwings, Mayfield and also in lots of event in the bay like the Teranga Multicultural Festival. We also played for the Eastenders actors in West Ham United stadium for the Down Syndrome Association, the famous Danny Mardell Celebrity football competition. Today the band is very popular and is currently playing about 50 gigs per year in different parts of the country. The highlight of the 2009 calendar so far will be playing at the downs syndrome association celebrity football event at the Chelsea football club stadium on the 25th June 2009 .we are rehearsing every Monday at the palace theatre from 9am to 3pm and we are inviting everyone to join the fun.