Percussions

Usually, the bass drum is played by using padded beaters or sticks & striking it against the drumhead. In a drum set, the musician plays the bass drum by using a pedal-operated stick.

Family: Percussion

Types: The bass drums that are used in military music & marching bands have 2 drumheads. Another type of bass drum is the gong drum which is larger has has only one drum & is used in British orhcestras.

First Known Bass Drums: The first known bass drums that had 2 drumheads are believed to have existed as early as 2500 BC in Sumeria

Name of Instrument: Bell

It's possible to be made of different materials, the metal, the crystal or the clay. It may be played by lightly shaking it as in hand bells or by striking it using a metal or mallet or wooden striker.

Family: Percussion

First Known Bells: When the oldest bell was found and used throughout history in different parts of the world as the India, Egypt, Japan, China & England. Also it was used to call people to announcing or pray the beginning of a battle.

Name of Instrument: Bongo Drum

Family: Percussion

Types: In cuba the folk drums are usually called bongos. Bongos have 2 drumheads & is played by striking the heel of the hands and/or fingertips on the drumhead. Actually, there are bongos that have adjustable drumheads.

First Known Bongo Drums: The bongo drum came about during the 1900's in Cuba & was used for Latin American music. It's believed to have evolved from the drums used in the Abakua Religion of Cuba.

Name of Instrument: Castanet

There are many ways of playing castanets:

• Flicking the wrists and striking it against the palm of the hand.
• It's struck together while held by the hands
• Mounted to a base & then shaking and using the fingers or drumsticks (orchestral)

Frequently, castanets are used in classical music or folk especially in spain.

Family: Percussion

First Known Castanets: In Ancient Greece, instruments resembling boot shaped castanets were played & was called krotala. One assumes that the term castanet is derived from the Spanish word castana meaning chestnut.

Name of Instrument: Conga Drum

The musician strikes the drumhead with his fingertips or palms of his hands.

Family: Percussion

Types: Conga drums come in a variety of shapes & sizes, each possessing its' own unique sound. The smallest is called niño & the largest is the tumba.

First Known Conga Drum: Conga drums are believed to have roots from both African & Cuban music. It's often referred to as "an Afro-Cuban barrel-shaped drum". Actually, congas have adjustable drumheads & are used in Latin American music.

More info: Percussions

Back to:	Sponsored by:
» Musical Instruments	» Search university
» Other Resources	» International jobs
» Music Schools