bass drummer

Marching band anchor

A bass drummer is a musician who plays the bass drum—the large, low-pitched drum that provides the rhythmic foundation in marching bands, orchestras, and drum corps.

In a marching band, the bass drummer carries the instrument vertically against the body and strikes it with a large padded mallet: The bass drummers kept the cadence as the band paraded down Main Street.

marching

drumline

Marching band percussionists

halftime · field show · uniform · precision · competition · choreography · harness · carrier · marching band · military band

rhythm

cadence

Rhythmic pulse or pattern

  • tempoRate of musical performance
  • beatRhythmic pulse or strike
  • downbeatNegatively toned or dispirited

backbeat · groove · syncopation · timekeeping · pulse · meter · swing · polyrhythm · count · measure

ensemble

orchestra

Large instrumental ensemble

jazz ensemble · rock band · concert · gig · performance · pit orchestra · symphony · big band · funk band

equipment

pedal

Foot-operated lever

shell · hoop · tension rods · double pedal · throne · dampening

Categories
Opposites
pitch/register of drum

bass drummersnare drummer

Percussionist playing wire-bottomed drums

timpanist

role in ensemble

bass drummerlead vocalist

Primary singer in group

soloist · cymbalist · timpanist

instrument family

bass drummerflutist

Woodwind instrument performer

violinist · soprano · lead vocalist · pianist · guitarist

Family

bass, drum, drummer, drums, drummed, drumming, drummers, basses

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G