Percussion

Musical Theory and Technique

This Side of Sanity

    Percussion are instruments that are struck (usually with a drumstick or beater). In terms of an orchestra, any instrument that doesn’t fall into the classifications of strings, woodwinds, or brass is considered to be in the percussion section. So, the piano and the whistle are considered percussion instruments in the orchestra.

    The percussion in an orchestra are the timpani, side drum (or snare drum), tenor drum, bass drum, cymbals, gongs, xylophone, and marimba.

    Average Power: The average power of percussion instruments is between about 1 Watt and 10 Watts.

    Percussion instruments:

• celesta
• glockenspiel
• marimba
• music box
• vibraphone