Percussion
There are literally thousands of instruments that are considered members of the percussion family. And even with all those different kinds, there are really only two types of percussion instruments: those that make a definite pitch, and those that don't. While timpanis, marimbas and xylophones play specific pitches like C# or A, cymbals, triangles and snares make sounds like 'crash,' 'ding,' and 'bam.' In general, percussion instruments have been around for thousands of years and have been used for religious ceremonies, frightening the enemy in warfare and to embellish an orchestra or concert band.
Timpani
The timpani drums were first developed in the 14th century and were such a symbol of prestige in Germany that no one under the rank of baron could own one. Also called 'kettle drums,' they play certain pitches and are tuned by the player. A timpanist uses pedals on the floor to change the pitch of the instrument and it is considered to be the most difficult and specialized percussion instrument. Known for its commanding boom, it is used frequently. In fact, there are very few orchestral pieces that do not feature the timpani.
The Parts of the Timpani
- The striking point is where the player hits his mallets, which creates the sound.
- The tension screws are used to tune the timpani to a certain pitch.
- The resonator is the "kettle" where the sound is created.
- If a timpanist needs to change the pitch of the instrument quickly, they use the pedal.
Xylophone
First introduced in 1874, the xylophone is a pitched percussion instrument. The player uses mallets to hit wooden blocks. The sound goes through a resonator, which amplifies the sound. Each block plays a different pitch and they are arranged to look like a keyboard. Sometimes featured in orchestras, it sometimes doubles soprano voices like flutes or violins.
Snare Drum
Originally used in marching bands, the snare drum is made from a cylindrical piece of wood or plastic. The instrument is hit on the top and there are small pieces of wire that rattle to make the distinct snare sound. The first version of the snare drum was called a tabor and was invented in the 12th century. It is used a lot in orchestral music, and is also part of the drum set.
The Parts of a Snare Drum
- The head is where the player hits his drum sticks, which creates the sound.
- The snares are pieces of wire stretched across the bottom of the drum and are tightened or loosened by the snare switch.
- The stand holds the drum in place.
Bass Drum
The bass drum is the largest drum in most orchestras and was rare in European music until the 18th century. It is usually supported on a stand and can be adjusted for the performer. Although it looks relatively simple to play the bass drum, it requires a great deal of concentration and excellent rhythm. It is often used to keep basic time in marches or for certain embellishments in orchestral pieces. The loud boom of a bass drum can sometimes be felt.
Cymbals
Dating back to 8th century BC. in Israel, cymbals come in all sorts of sizes and in many different forms. There are tiny cymbals called zills that can be worn on your fingers, orchestral cymbals that crash together, and gongs, which are struck using a mallet. They are all generally made out of copper or brass.
