Samba Vida Drum & Dance Company

Musical and Program Director

Roy was introduced to Samba as a Music Director for Urban 15 for seven years and as
a Music Director and Program Coordinator for Samba Vida. He has honored the
traditional music and dances of Brazilian Samba while studying the various Samba
schools of Brazil and the USA. His music background, while extensive and versatile,
qualifies Roy as an established Mestre de Bateria.
Roy graduated from St. Mary's University with a degree in Music Education and also
the United States Naval School of Music.
After completing four years of High School Drum line, Roy played in the United States
Marine Corp band for two years, in the St. Mary's University Band for two years, in
the Trinity University Community Band two years, and was the
Assistant Band Director for Memorial High School Band for two years. Roy has also
been the Head percussionist for the VFW Band, the San Antonio Community Band, St.
Mary's Band, Beethoven Band, Trinity University Community Band, San Antonio
Municipal Band, and for Urban 15, the Alamo City Community Marching Band, and the
Comal County Concert Band.
Roy has also performed at the National Hispanic Awards in Washington, D.C. in 1999
Serving as the Musical and Program director for Samba Vida, Roy has dedicated
himself in bringing truly authentic rhythms of Africa and Brazil to Samba Vida. Under
his direction, Samba Vida has been the #1 dance and drum group in San Antonio

Roy Reyes

Rainha Dos Passistas
Jessica Patiño
Jessica began her dance career at the age of 11 with Samba Vida, as a jr. dancer. While
training in Carnaval style dance, Jessica was on the Varsity Chorale, Officer for the Drill
Team, a two year member of the Dance Team, and the Spirit Organization President, all
where she studied jazz, lyrical, hip hop and other genres of dance and made the national
Dance Team to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City. She
has extensively trained in Dance and Leadership skills with dance companies such as the
professional and national Showmakers of America as well as other professionals such as
the Spurs Silver Dancer Choreographer, and world renown choreographers Baba Chuck
Davis, and Frank Hatchett. She graduated with honors and continues her dance training, as
a Dance and Education major. She continues her studies in Ballroom, African, Modern,
Ballet, Flamenco, Salsa, Merengue, Jazz, dance composition and choreography. Jessica
was also a dancer for the Latin dance company A&R Productions out of New York City.
With A&R Productions, Jessica had the honor to perform for Premios A La Musica Latina
awards show, at Fiesta Texas, in Colombia, South America for Rumba Dreams, and also
at the Carver for Rumba Dreams.
As a founding member of Samba Vida, Jessica is now the choreographer, dance director,
Rainha Dos Passistas, and Principle dancer. She has also been featured in various
magazines, including Laredo's George Washington magazine, "Elle" February National
magazine, San Antonio Express News, El Paso TV Station, a model for local artist, and
many other appearances and performances. Currently, Jessica continues to study the
authentic dances of Africa, and Brazil. Recently, Jessie choreographed, directed, and co-
produced the Samba "Carnaval Cultural" production presented by Samba Vida at the
Carver.
She is a pre-school ballet and tap dance teacher, teaches hip hop and samba to children
and adults, choreographs for Quinceañeras and Sweet 16’s, and is a personal dance coach
for aspiring dance team members out of her own, Majestic School of Dance.

Dance Director and Choreographer

Jessica Patino