Drum corps performances are lively and entertaining. The precision with which the drummers execute their routines is very impressive. Being able to not only play intricate patterns but also move in choreographed routines takes a great deal of practice. The end result is a feast for not only the audience’s ears, but their eyes as well. …more

I found out about an interesting program recently that I would like to talk about. Although this post is not strictly about drums and percussion instruments, the scope of the program touches artists of all kinds including drummers and percussionists. …more

I came across a great video today that ideally demonstrates the versatility of hand drums in many different music styles. This video shows a cajon drummer playing along with a recording of a Bach piece. I’m sure that when Johann was composing this orchestral suite almost 300 years ago, he didn’t envision it being played along with a cajon drum. If he had heard the result, would he have approved? …more

Today I am going to talk about two very interesting Brazilian drums. Both serve as the bass drums in small Brazilian samba groups. However, their versatility enables drummers to use them in many types of music. The rebolo is a great drum to use in lower volume settings such as an acoustic arrangement. The larger-bodied tantan gives it extra volume and a deeper bass sound, which is ideal when a drummer wants a little more than the rebolo can provide. Both drums can form an exciting foundation for a variety of musical settings. …more

The range of available percussion instruments is both wide and varied. Basically, if you can hit or shake it, it is a percussion instrument. Owing to this definition, there are many unique and often unusual forms of percussion instruments. Today’s blog will list two of the more unusual items that have been constructed to bring additional “colour” to the percussionist’s musical canvas. …more