Percussion
Percussion family
Listen to Examples
Guidelines for Success
- Physical coordination is exceptional.
- Student is able to "march" quarter notes while clapping eighth notes.
- Student maintains a steady tempo while echo clapping four measure phrases.
- Student has previous keyboard experience, such as Piano.
- Commitment to becoming a complete percussionist is unwavering.
- Student is self-controlled.
- Dependability and sense of responsibility are strong.
- Parental support is strong.
Percussion Supplies
Call to Order
A quality instrument is crucial for successful learning. Parents can call (800) 637-6872 to order supplies from District 47's preferred vendor, Quinlan and Fabish, Mon-Fri. 11am-7pm or Sat. 9am-3pm or order online with the buttons below...
Method Book
5th grade students will read music from their own method book entitled, "Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician."
Music Stand
Students will set up their own music stand at full band. We use the Hamilton KB400N music stand and the Hamilton KB12 carrying bag.
3-Ring Binder
Please help our class run smoothly and organize our songs, worksheets and other handouts in a 3-ring binder.
Stick Bag
Students will use a stick bag for mallets and drum sticks.
Origin of Percussion
Percussion instruments were invented by prehistoric cultures. However, most percussion history is connected with military groups. Drums were used in the 700 A.D. Moorish invasion of Africa. These instruments were ancestors of the snare drum and timpani.
Inventor of Percussion
There really isn't one inventor of the drums and percussion. Both the Scots and Swiss developed the snare drum around 1300. Around 1450, Turkish military bands featured triangles, cymbals, and several sizes of drums. The instruments used in these "Janizary Bands" communicated signals to large numbers of fighting troops.
Percussion Family
Since there are so many percussion instruments, they are in a family of their own. The percussion family includes drums, keyboard instruments, and accessories. Some of the most common drums are the snare drum, bass drum, timpani, bongos, and congas.
Composers & Performers
J.S. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Berlioz, Debussy, Sousa, and Stravinsky are all important composers who have included percussion in their writing. Famous percussionists include Vic Firth, Peter Erskine, Buddy Rich, and Al Payson.
Note Chart
