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There are a few ways in which the notation (written music) for percussion is different than the other instruments in the band.
Percussion Clef
Percussion Clef
The percussion or "neutral" clef does not specify the placement of pitches and letter names like the other clefs do. This is because it is the clef used for unpitched percussion instruments such as snare drum, bass drum, various cymbals, and drumset.
Snare Techniques and Ornaments
Snare Techniques and Ornaments
For snare and a few other percussion instruments, notes that have an articulation mark or use non-standard notehead/stem usually signify a certain type of stroke or technique should be used.
The image at right shows several types of noteheads that are often used for stick techniques such as rim shots and cross sticks.
Drum Set notation
Drum Set notation
Music for many different components of the drum set needs to be placed on one staff for the player!
Generally speaking, notes on the drum set staff with stems going up are played by the hands and stems going down are played by the feet.
band parts
band parts
In Band music, Snare Drum is almost always written on the second space from the top of a 5-line staff. It looks like a treble clef's C and is often abbreviated "S.D."
Bass Drum is almost always written on the bottom space in the staff (like F in treble clef), abbreviated to "B.D."
TIP: Most of the time, the beaming for all of a specific instrument's notes will go in the same direction. This helps you identify which part is yours when there are many different parts written in the same staff. Some students highlight their own part!
If you have to cover multiple instruments in one piece of music, HAVE A PLAN!
Prepare ALL mallets/beaters/sticks and on a trap table and ALL instruments beforehand.
WRITE notes to yourself in your music, telling you exactly when to transition.
Be a team player. Communicate, letting the rest of your section know what you need, and give the other percussionists space.
Always ask your section leader or director if you have questions or concerns.
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