Percussion instruments are arguably the oldest known instruments known to humanity, due to their versatility in design. There are two categories for percussion instruments, Idiophones (instruments where the entire body vibrates to produce a sound) and Membranophones (Instruments that produce sound by the vibration of a stretched membrane like drums). All percussion instruments fall into one of these two categories and have many different varieties of instruments. The percussion section is an incredibly versatile section that appear in all different types of ensembles (orchestra, band, rock groups, Jazz, and many more!). 

Percussionists are expected to be proficient in a variety of different instruments like Drums, Mallet/Keyboard instruments, and know how to play auxiliary instruments when needed.

More here.

• Vic Firth Snare Drum Method, Book 1