Includes a variety of instruments and students are expected to work as a team to learn and share all the various percussion instruments in the band. Most school bands focus on glockenspiel, snare drum and auxiliary percussion (triangle, tambourine, cowbell, whistles, etc). Once students master the basics on these they will usually have the opportunity to begin learning drum kit as well.
Things to consider
- Students must have an excellent sense of rhythm, fine and gross motor skills and good coordination
- Students must be organised, thorough and focused, should enjoy repetition and have an excellent attention to detail
- Prior experience learning the piano is an enormous asset and these skills transition well to percussion
- Playing percussion in the band is one of the most demanding jobs and would suit the most dedicated and reliable students
- Each school will have a very slightly different set of expectations about what equipment is required at home and brought to school so please check with your band director or TSA office for details
Recommended brands
Tama, Majestic, Ludwig, Yamaha (snare drum) – Majestic, Yamaha (glockenspiel) – Tama, Yamaha, Pearl (drum kit)
All about the Percussion
- This short video explains the basics you need to know before choosing to play the sax in your school band.
Other Resources
How the pros do it!
This percussion ensemble performs Under the Sea from The Little Mermaid.
Intermediate Drum Solo
Here are some solos on the drum kit from Jack Bennett Drums.
Percussion pack
How to set up a percussion pack
