Percussion / Drum Kit

Percussion embraces two different fields which are often considered separately, these being orchestral percussion and drum kit . Orchestral percussion can involve over 300 different instruments (including drum kit) and many of these can be played in a variety of ways. This can be a very satisfying outlet for good pianists (or any other instrumentalist) to take up if they wish to play in an orchestra or band. The drum kit is what you see in rock bands, and although pupils can have lessons purely in drum kit, the ability to read music will always be encouraged so that pupils have the chance to expand their horizons and be able to play in many different fields.

Starting age

• 8/9 years.

Cost

• New: A basic side drum and sticks approx £100.
• For orchestral and wind band work the instruments are provided - the player provides the sticks and beaters.
• For a rock drum kit prices start at around £500
• 2nd hand: For drum kits it may be worth looking in local papers for bargains, but be aware that the nature of the instrument means that they can be damaged and need some repairs.

Hire

• Snare drums can be hired from Kent Music.

Running Costs

• Replacement sticks and occasional new drum heads.
• Maintenance may be needed if heavy use is made of equipment.

Suitability

• A good sense of rhythm is required.
• Pianists may find orchestral percussion a good outlet for their talents.

Where to play

If you can read music there are limitless opportunities to play, from medieval, folk, jazz, rock, classical, orchestral, wind and brass band, Latin, etc. If you just play the drum kit and don't read music, try to find some sympathetic friends and start your own band. You might be the next Oasis!

Some Percussion Instruments

• TUNED PERCUSSION
  • Timpani - sometimes known as kettle drums
  • Glockenspiel - high pitched metal bars
  • Celeste - looks like a minature piano - sounds "celestial"
  • Xylophone - wooden bars
  • Marimba - a bass xylophone - very expressive in the right hands
• UN-TUNED PERCUSSION
• Snare drum - the core instrument that any percussionist must master
• Cymbals - clashed or suspended Latin percussion - congas, bongos, whistles and shakers
• Effects instruments - windchimes, sirens, pistols, whips, rattles
• Unusual requests - a typewriter (Eric Satie - "Parade")

Famous Solos

• Xylophone - "Fossils" - from Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saëns
• Marimba - Concerto - by Paul Creston
• Timpani - Young Persons' Guide to the Orchestra - by Benjamin Britten
• Celeste - Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy - from "Nutcracker Suite" by Tchaikovsky

Famous Performers

• Evelyn Glennie - ground breaking Scots percussionist
• James Blades - "the master" for most of the 20th century