Percussion
Percussion instruments are a diverse group of instruments that make sound by being struck, shaken, or scraped. They are often called the heartbeat of music because they keep the rhythm and beat in a song.
There are two main types of percussion: pitched percussion (like xylophones and timpani, which play different notes) and unpitched percussion (like drums and cymbals, which create rhythm but not melodies). Percussion instruments are used in orchestras, bands, marching bands, and all kinds of music around the world!
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Ten Percussion Facts
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Percussion is the Oldest Type of Instrument!
People have been playing percussion instruments for thousands of years—early humans made drums from animal skins and logs!
There Are Hundreds of Percussion Instruments!
Percussion isn’t just drums—there are tambourines, maracas, cymbals, bongos, triangles, xylophones, and more!
Percussion is in Every Type of Music!
From rock and pop to orchestras and marching bands, percussion instruments are used in all styles of music around the world!
Some Percussion Instruments Play Notes!
Not all percussion instruments just make beats—some, like the xylophone, marimba, and timpani, can play melodies and harmonies too!
Drumming is Great Exercise!
Playing the drums or other percussion instruments uses your arms, hands, and even your legs, making it a fun way to stay active!
Percussion is Used in Movies!
Dramatic drum rolls and cymbal crashes help make exciting moments in movie soundtracks and video games!
Percussion Instruments Come From All Over the World!
Many cultures have unique percussion instruments, like the djembe from Africa, bongos from Cuba, and the tabla from India!
Some Percussionists Play Many Instruments at Once!
Percussionists in an orchestra don’t just play one instrument—they often switch between drums, cymbals, bells, and more during a single song!
The Triangle is Small but Mighty!
Even though the triangle is tiny, it makes a bright, clear sound that can be heard over an entire orchestra!
You Can Make a Drum from Almost Anything!
People have made drums from buckets, pots, boxes, and even their own bodies (like clapping and stomping) to create rhythm!