THE TIMPANI

The TIMPANI, also called kettledrums, are the backbone of the percussion family. Made of copper, they resemble a kettle resting on a tripod. Stretched across the top is a calfskin or plastic drumhead. The sizes of the timpani are 30", 28", 25" and 23".

THE BASS DRUM

The BASS DRUM used in the orchestra is 30" in diameter and is supported on a special stand. The bass drum may be struck on either drumhead with hands or mallets. It is capable of thunderous noise or soft rolls. It is often said that its soft tones are felt rather than heard.

THE SNARE DRUM

The SNARE DRUM has gut strings wound with metal and stretched across the underside of the bottom drumhead. These vibrate when the upper head is struck. It is 14" to 15" in diameter and about 6" deep. It is played with a pair of drumsticks.

THE CYMBALS

The CYMBALS are circular discs made of brass alloy and originated with the Ancient Greeks and Romans. They are convex in shape so that when struck together, only their edges touch. The cymbals are held by a strap or sometimes hung and played with a stick or mallet for special effects.

THE TAMBOURINE

The TAMBOURINE is a circle of wood, commonly 10" in diameter, with a calfskin head on one side. Small metal discs, called jingles, are set in the wood circle and jingle against themselves.

THE TRIANGLE

The TRIANGLE is a bar of round steel bent into a triangle with one corner open. The average length of a side is 6½". It is struck by a small steel rod called a triangle beater. Recognized by its tinkling sound, it can be heard above the loudest orchestral grouping.