Percussion section
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The percussion section is one of the main divisions of the
The percussion section is itself divided into three subsections:
- tubular bells.
- cymbals.
- Timpani.
These three subsections reflect the three main skill areas that a
Percussion sections, consisting of similar instruments, may also be found in stage bands and other musical ensembles.[1]
Tuned percussion
- See also untuned percussion
This subsection is traditionally called tuned percussion,
They include:
- All keyboard percussion instruments such as the xylophone and tubular bells.
- Collections of pitched instruments such as .
- Most other melodic percussioninstruments.
Despite the name, keyboard percussion instruments do not have keyboards as such. Keyboard instruments such as the celesta and keyboard glockenspiel are not included in the percussion section owing to the very different skills required to play them, but instead are grouped in the keyboard section with instruments that require similar skills.
Auxiliary percussion
All unpitched percussion instruments are grouped into the auxiliary percussion subsection, which includes an enormous variety of instruments, including drums, cymbals, bells, shakers, whistles and even found objects.
Players are expected to be accomplished on the
Timpani
The timpanist is a specialist who does not usually perform on the other percussion instruments during a concert. A high level of skill unique to this instrument is expected. While players of the keyboard and auxiliary percussion subsections often play many instruments from both subsections during a performance or piece, the timpanist is normally dedicated to that instrument.
See also
- Classification of percussion instruments
- String section
- Woodwind section
- Brass section
- Keyboard section
References
- ISBN 0 906286 34 4, 1977, New Burlington Books
- ^ "Percussion". Andrewhugill.com. Retrieved 19 April 2021.