Percussion instruments make sound by vibrating.
The percussion section is itself divided into three subsections:
The percussion section is itself divided into three subsections:
- Tuned percussion
- Auxiliary percussion
- Timpani
Tuned Percussion Instruments
Tuned percussion consists of of pitched instruments. They are different from other percussion instruments as they are all set out like a keyboard, and have many different possible pitches.
- Marimba - Tuned percussion instrument. It is played with 2 or 4 sticks.
- Xylophone - Tuned percussion instrument, the keys of which are made of wood. It is smaller than a marimba, and has a smaller range. It is played with plastic, wooden or rubber mallets.
- Glockenspiel - Often referred to as 'The Glock'. It is a metallic tuned percussion instrument, usually played with hard mallets. It makes a very different sound to the marimba and xylophone, the other two most common tuned percussion instruments.
Auxiliary Percussion Instruments
Auxiliary percussions consists of all unpitched instruments.
- Crash cymbals - Also referred to as 'Clash cymbals'. Crash cymbals are two cymbals, around 50cm wide which are crashed together, creating a large, crash sound. These crashes are used to great effect in orchestras and wind bands. A crash cymbal is one of these cymbals, used in drum kits, or in orchestras for effect. In a drum kit the crash cymbal is the one which is used for effect, while the ride and high hat are usually used for rhythm.
Timpani
The timpanist is regarded as the principal of the percussion section. A high level of the skills unique to this instrument are expected.
While players of tuned and auxiliary percussion often play many instruments from both subsections during a performance or piece, the timpanist is normally dedicated to that instrument.
While players of tuned and auxiliary percussion often play many instruments from both subsections during a performance or piece, the timpanist is normally dedicated to that instrument.
