Taught in grades 4-12, percussion instruments are played by hitting, shaking or scraping the instrument to create a vibration. Percussion students get to learn more than one instrument! If you choose to study percussion instruments, you will get to learn both of the instruments listed below. You will need to choose a main percussion instrument, however, (either bells or snare drum) on which most of your lessons will focus. Throughout the year, you will also probably have the chance to play many more auxiliary percussion instruments as well such as bass drum, triangle, cymbals, maracas, claves, guiro, etc. Click on the arrows to read more about each area below.

*Percussion students are required to rent/purchase a "combo kit" which includes snare drum and bells. It has the following components: 

• a bell set and stand to rest the bells on

• a snare drum and stand to rest the drum on

• a rubber practice pad that lies flat on the top of the drum, 

• drum sticks for the drum,

• and mallets for the bell set. 

PHYSICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Percussion requires the use of both hands, and students stand to play (although arrangements can be made for students unable to stand). Percussionists learn to play multiple instruments with different techniques, so it is a good choice for students who pick things up quickly and have good coordination. The idea that “anyone” can play percussion is somewhat of a common misconception. Percussion instruments are actually some of the most difficult instruments to learn properly. Students with a good steady beat and good hand-eye and body coordination are the most successful at learning percussion.

SOUND QUALITY 

Percussion instruments are typically the loudest in the band, although a convenient and quiet practice pad and bell set make practicing at home no louder than any other instrument. The bells or snare drum are what your child will be focusing on in lessons, although they may play other instruments in the concert (highly encouraged especially for percussionists).

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Due to the nature of playing in the percussion section, certain learning styles and personality traits tend to lead more to success. Because there is a lot of “down time” for percussionists during band, students who can follow directions, can remain attentive even when not active, can organize their materials independently, and who are not easily distracted will be the most successful. Students who are distracted easily, have trouble following directions, and need constant supervision to remain organized may find percussion to be overwhelming, confusing, and difficult. These students may find one of the other instruments to be more manageable and enjoyable because it is stationary (standing) and constantly active (you play on every piece). Percussion also requires dedicated practice and commitment. Keep in mind that students who “just want to play drum set” may be better off taking private drum set lessons. They will not learn to play drum set in band. Also keep in mind that bell students will also have the opportunity to study snare drum. For students up for the challenge, playing percussion is a very unique and rewarding experience! 

MALLET/ORCHESTRA BELL KIT

Studying orchestra bells in 4th and 5th grade prepares students to transfer to the larger mallet instruments in middle school such as the xylophone, marimba, chimes, etc.

*Bell players are required to rent/purchase a "combo kit" which includes snare drum and bells.

PHYSICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Percussion requires the use of both hands, and students stand to play (although arrangements can be made for students unable to stand). Percussionists learn to play multiple instruments with different techniques, so it is a good choice for students who pick things up quickly and have good coordination. The idea that“anyone” can play percussion is somewhat of a common misconception. Percussion instruments are actually some of the most difficult instruments to learn properly. Students with a good steady beat and good hand-eye and body coordination are the most successful at learning percussion.

SOUND QUALITY 

Percussion instruments are typically the loudest in the band, although a convenient and quiet practice pad and bell set make practicing at home no louder than any other instrument. The bells or snare drum are what your child will be focusing on in lessons, although they may play other instruments in the concert (highly encouraged especially for percussionists).

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Due to the nature of playing in the percussion section, certain learning styles and personality traits tend to lead more to success. Because there is a lot of “down time” for percussionists during band, students who can follow directions, can remain attentive even when not active, can organize their materials independently, and who are not easily distracted will be the most successful. Students who are distracted easily, have trouble following directions, and need constant supervision to remain organized may find percussion to be overwhelming, confusing, and difficult. These students may find one of the other instruments to be more manageable and enjoyable because it is stationary (standing) and constantly active (you play on every piece). Percussion also requires dedicated practice and commitment. Keep in mind that students who “just want to play drum set” may be better off taking private drum set lessons. They will not learn to play drum set in band. Also keep in mind that snare drum students will also have the opportunity to study mallets/bells. For students up for the challenge, playing percussion is a very unique and rewarding experience!

WHAT ABOUT CYMBALS, TIMPANI, BASS DRUM, OR DRUM SET?

Additional percussion instruments are taught at different times during the musician's percussion lessons from grades 4-12.

*Snare drum players are required to rent/purchase a "combo kit" which includes snare drum and bells.