Carnival Advice Needed (Rio de Janeiro)

Hello,

I'm coming from the 4th to the 15th of February for the Carnival and also to hang out and explore the area.

I need some advice on how to pick the right events for the Carnival so I get the most of it. I heard you can join some schools as non-members, I wonder how that works. Attending events is also more fun in groups :)

I'll be staying in Copacabana. Advice and local contacts would be appreciate