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 Percussion Instruments Played in Wind Bands (11–20)
samba whistle
The percussion instrument with a commanding presence: the samba whistle.
Among the percussion instruments introduced this time, it’s by far the easiest to play—anyone can make a sound with it.
The samba whistle has small holes, and by covering them with your fingers you can change the pitch.
Although it’s become less common in recent samba, once you add it to your ensemble’s percussion section, the mood instantly turns festive.
It’s an essential instrument for concert bands looking to incorporate Latin music!
conga
The conga is a percussion instrument with a distinctive, characterful tone—like a larger version of the bongo.
On its own, it has a very unique sound, but in wind ensemble settings, the conga isn’t particularly prominent.
Because it’s played by hand, it doesn’t produce a very large volume, and in ensemble playing it tends to lack impact compared to other instruments.
So it’s not the kind of percussion that easily attracts attention, but it still remains one of the instruments that underpins the basic rhythms of a wind ensemble.
bongo
Bongos are instruments often used in Latin music and tropical styles.
Their distinctive timbre is memorable, and although they’re percussion, simply striking them can create a cheerful atmosphere.
While they produce sound just by being struck, because they’re played with the hands, the performer’s skill is clearly revealed.
They’re deeper than they look, and in wind ensembles they’re a percussion instrument that particularly draws attention thanks to their unique tone.
To fully appreciate skilled bongo playing, wind ensemble pieces are great, but be sure to check out solo performances as well.
wind chime
The wind chime is a percussion instrument known for its brilliant, shimmering tone.
Unlike a typical chime, a wind chime isn’t fixed in place, so when you strike it, the sound continues for a while.
In most cases, the way to play a wind chime is fairly standardized: you produce sound by gliding your fingers across it, regardless of the piece.
It may seem simple, but getting a clean, beautiful sound is difficult and requires a certain amount of practice.
Surprisingly, it’s an instrument where the sound differs greatly between beginners and advanced players, so be sure to compare and listen.
xylophone
The xylophone is an instrument familiar to many Japanese people.
While the name “xylophone” might not ring a bell for some, everyone knows it as the wooden percussion instrument.
There’s a similar instrument called the marimba, but the clear difference from the xylophone lies in the softness of the sound.
Both produce a gentle tone because they are made of wood, but the xylophone’s sound is firmer compared to the marimba.
It is the perfect instrument for pieces that require both warmth and a sharp timbre.
gong
Among the percussion instruments in a wind ensemble, the gong stands out with overwhelming presence.
The word “gong” might not immediately ring a bell, but everyone knows it as a “tam-tam.” There are many types of gongs; some even reach lengths of two meters.
Basically, it’s an instrument you strike to produce sound, but in ensembles that focus on contemporary music, it’s also rubbed or scraped to create ambient textures.
In conclusion
We’ve introduced all the instruments played in the percussion section of a wind ensemble at once.
From standout stars like the snare drum and timpani to keyboard percussion, and even rare instruments you don’t often see, there was quite a variety.
One of the charms of the percussion section is getting to play all of these instruments.
I hope this has been helpful for those about to join a wind ensemble club, as well as for anyone who wants to learn about the percussion instruments used in wind ensembles.