The Percussion Section Flashcards
Definite Pitch
When an instrument or object produces a defined note distinguishable to the listener
Indefinite Pitch
When something produces multiple notes at once and one finds it impossible to identify a note
How do percussion instruments create sound?
By striking,shaking,banging or skraping it.
In an Orchestra what do all percussionists except timpanist have to do during the music?
They move from one percussion instrument to another.
have to have the skill to be able to play any instrument classed as percussion
Give an example of what you think the first percussion instruments could have been
a stretched out skin of an animal over hollowed logs
List 6 definite pitch percussion instruments:
- Glockenspiel
- Celesta
- Xylophone
- Tubular bells
- Vibraphone
- Marimba
List 6 indefinite pitch percussion instruments:
! any others not mentioned here that aren’t classified as definite pitch are indefinite !
- Snare Drum
- Bongos
- Tamtam
- Triangle
- Maracas
- Castanets
What is the pitch of a note directly related to?
The diameter and the tension of the drum head
The tighter the skin, the … the note.
higher
How many timpani are in an orchestra?
3-4
How does the pedal of the kettle drum tune?
It tightens and loosens the skin of the drum and raises and lowers the pitch
What is the biggest drum in the drum family and how is it set up in an orchestra?
Bass Drum
Mounted vertically on a stand
Where are Bass drums used?
In marching bands and traditional drum sets
How many wired strings are stretched under the lower head of a snare drum?
8-10
What happens to the snares when the upper skin of snare drum is hit?
Snares vibrate and create a great rattling sound
What music are snare drums used in?
Jazz
What does “Xylo” in Xylophone mean?
wood
What is the Xylophone made of?
A series of wooden bars with resonators below them
What instrument does the Celesta look similar to?
piano
How is the Celesta different from the piano
steel plates are struck by hammers (gentler than a glockenspiel)
How is the Celesta similar to the piano
It is played by a pianist and not a percussionist
What are Tubular Bells?
A set of suspended metal tubes wit a range of just over an octave
How many tubes are there of Tubular Bells and how are the tubes arranged?
18 tubes hung in 2 rows (struck near the top)
