A percussion musical instrument is one that makes a sound by being hit, scraped or shaken e.g. drums, cymbals, tambourines, triangle, tubular bells, xylophone, glockenspiel, güiro, etc. See wikipedia for a detailed article and list of percussion instruments.
Percussion is now a vital part of any brass band, but it was not always the case. Up until the 1930’s percussion was not allowed in brass band contests!
These days a brass band performance will usually include a drum kit, possibly timpanis, glockenspiel and other percussion.
When marching or parading is required, the band’s marching bass drum is put to good use. This can be carried with a shoulder harness or strap. Sometimes a marching snare drum and hand held cymbals are also used.
Pitched percussion, like the glockenspiel, vibraphone or marimba are notated in concert pitch, but unpitched percussion, such as the drum kit is different. It’s notated with a specific percussion clef – see our Notation page.
