The information in this section has come from books by Beck (1995) and Girsberger (1998)
See the "References" section at the end

• Drums are possibly the oldest instruments in existence


• Many cultures have traditionally used drums

Click on an instrument to hear the sound:

• Drums have a shell that has a tightly placed skin on it


• The skin is struck with hands, sticks or another implement


• In a Concert Band, the most common drums used are the snare drum, Bass Drum, Bongos, Congas, Drum Kit

• SNARE DRUM: has two drum skins
  The top skin is what the drum sticks strike
  The bottom skin allows the snares (wavy metal rods) to vibrate





• BASS DRUM: A large drum
  It is raised on a stand and struck with a large felt-covered beater





• DRUM KIT: A set of drums placed close together and played by one person. Includes
  - a snare drum
  - bass drum (played with a foot pedal)
  - 3 tom-toms
  - hi-hat
  - at least one free-standing cymbal

• Wooden drum sticks and sometimes special wire brushes are used on a snare drum or drum kit


• A large Concert Bass Drum is played with a large felt-tipped beater


• Congas and Bongos are usually played with hands or thin Timbale sticks


• Unpitched Drums are usually played in the center

• Special techniques:
  - playing the metal rim of a drum
  - "Rim Shot" playing the metal rim at the same time as the drum skin

• Drum music is written on the percussion clef


• Percussion clef music lets you know when to play the drums


• For more information about the percussion clef, see MUSIC NOTATION on the "Home Page"

• Drums provide the rhythmic backing for melodic music