It is important to know how to MOVE AND STORE the timpani so they will stay in good repair!
Procedure for moving each drum:
1. Put the head at high tension (press toe of pedal all the way down)
2. Make sure both wheels are unlocked
3. Hold the instrument by the heavy brown vertical struts, not the rim
4. Use the third wheel, or keep the pedal slightly off the floor while moving the instrument
5. Be very careful going through doorways being sure to lift the instrument over any bumps or cracks in the floor.
Whle playing the timpani:
1. Lean the covers against the wall.
2. "Hard sticks" means harder felt timpani mallet
3. "Wood sticks" means a timpani mallet with a wooden ball-shaped head - NOT a snare drum stick!
4. Do NOT use the back end of the mallet. If instructed to do so, use a special double-ended mallet with a wood ball head.
5. Never pound the drums. At loud dynamics, play with a relaxed stroke and allow the mallet to rebound off the head.
While the timpani are NOT in use:
1. Leave the head at LOW tension (heel of the pedal down)
2. Gently place the cover on each drum
3. Do NOT set, or allow others to set, anything on the timpani