Percussion

Drum Set

The Drum Set or Drum Kit is the most popular choice for the young percussionist. It comprises of a snare drum, with several cymbals and tom toms, the feet oprerate pedals attached to a Hi Hat cymbal and a bass drum. The technique is taught as rudiments which are tranferred to the whole kit. The use of the drum set is most varied from rock and pop groups to large concert orchestras and big jazz bands.

Electric Drum Set

Durham Music Service also uses Electric Drum Sets. These are played using the same technique as the normal drum set. However, they require amplification as their sounds are reproduced digitally through a special synthesizing module.

Timpani

Timpani or Kettle Drums come in sets from two up to six when required. They are special low pitched drums which have definite pitch which can be alterd with foot pedals. They are used extensively in orchestras as well as brass and wind bands.

Mallet Percussion

Mallet Percussion is the name given to the collection of instruments that are played with malletts or sticks. They are "tuned" percussion instruments which are usually set out in a piano keyborard pattern. They include: Xylophone and Marimba which have wooden notes. Glockespiel and Vibraphone which have metal notes and Tubular Bells

Djembe

The Djembe are African drums which can produce both low and high sounds. Durham Music Service uses these as part of its wideropportunities/ and foundationstage program/

Samba Drums

Durham Music Service also teaches Brazilian Samba Percussion as part of its wideropportunities/ program in schools.