A roundup of instruments played in wind ensemble percussion
The percussion section in a wind ensemble plays a wide variety of instruments, right?
In some pieces they play the snare drum, in others the timpani…
They also often play small percussion instruments like the tambourine and triangle.
In this article, we’ll introduce all the many instruments the percussion section plays in one go!
We’ve gathered everything from standout, showy instruments to those you might not be very familiar with, so enjoy discovering each one’s sound and appeal.
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Summary of instruments played in wind band percussion (1–10)
bass drum
Like the snare drum, the bass drum is an instrument that underpins the foundations of percussion.
It appears very frequently and is one of the most important instruments supporting the basic framework of a piece.
It may seem like it doesn’t require the advanced techniques associated with the snare drum, but in fact, the hand that doesn’t hold the drumstick plays an extremely important role.
As you can see, the bass drum produces a large, resonant low sound when struck.
Because of this, it’s hard to create nuanced dynamics by just hitting it normally; however, in wind ensembles, players compensate for this by skillfully using the free hand to touch the head, allowing for expressive shaping of the sound.
It’s a remarkably deep instrument.
marimba
The marimba is a percussion instrument that carries the melody.
It’s a familiar instrument in Japan, but surprisingly few people have actually played it.
That’s partly because it’s often mistaken for a xylophone.
In reality, the marimba is much larger than a xylophone and tends to have a softer tone.
To produce a powerful sound, you need to strike it firmly, making it an instrument that demands very advanced playing technique.
Performing with two mallets in each hand is especially challenging, but if you master it, you can create plenty of impact even in a solo performance.
timbales
Timbales are instruments modeled after the timpani.
They’re commonly used in Latin music, and a cowbell is mounted between the drums.
The true appeal of timbales lies in their expressive range.
Because they include not only the drums but also a cowbell, they may not rival a full drum set, yet they still offer a wide palette of expression.
Many people picture a cheerful, lively vibe, but in fact, timbales are also used in more mellow genres like bolero.
Summary of Percussion Instruments Played in Wind Bands (11–20)
cymbal
Cymbals are instruments that play a crucial role in adding contrast and punch to wind ensemble music.
Many people have probably thought, “I could do that myself.” At first glance, cymbals may seem simple, but there are aspects that make them anything but an easy instrument.
The biggest reason is how rarely they appear.
Among percussion parts in a concert band, cymbals show up particularly infrequently, and when they do, you’re expected to play in the most prominent moments.
In other words, it’s an instrument where you can’t hide mistakes.
While producing a clean sound is relatively easy, the pressure that comes with it is immense.
In a sense, it’s an instrument where your mental game is key.
Glockenspiel
The glockenspiel is an instrument with a distinctive, “keen” timbre.
It’s the metalophone many people know from school.
There’s a similar instrument called the vibraphone, but compared to the vibraphone, the glockenspiel has a higher pitch and a harder tone.
Because of that, it pairs well with pieces that have a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere, and it can fully express its charm even in solo performances.
Its difficulty is among the highest within percussion, similar to vibraphone and marimba.
However, the satisfaction you get from mastering it is even greater than with other percussion instruments, so if you’re interested, let this article be your cue to give it a try.
chime
The chime is something every student has heard at least once, though few have probably seen the real instrument.
A chime is a bona fide musical instrument, and in familiar settings, it’s used in TV shows like “Nodo Jiman” (amateur singing contests).
In wind ensembles, chimes are often played at key moments in the beginning or middle of a piece, which makes them stand out compared to other percussion instruments.
You can hear them used at the start in this video as well.
Because it’s an instrument that tends to draw attention, it’s recommended for those who are confident in their sense of rhythm.
Triangle
The triangle is a simple instrument that’s used in settings like kindergartens and elementary schools.
Chances are, everyone has played it at least once.
Because it feels so familiar, many people think it’s an easy instrument—but it actually isn’t.
Since the triangle is made of metal, it requires delicate control of force.
Even a slight mistake in how hard you strike it can throw the performance off.
Simple as it may be, it’s a surprisingly deep instrument.