percussionists
Drum and cymbal players
Percussionists are musicians who play percussion instruments—drums, cymbals, xylophones, timpani, and anything else struck, shaken, or scraped to produce sound.
In orchestras, percussionists typically handle multiple instruments, moving between them as the score demands.
The percussionists anchored the rhythm section.
Tunable orchestral percussion
- marimbaTuned bar percussion instrument
- xylophonePitched percussion with bars
- vibraphoneMotorized resonator percussion
- glockenspielTuned metal bar percussion
snare · bass drum · djembe · congas · bongos · tabla · cajon · cymbals
Headed striking tools
- sticksSlender wood pieces
- rollsSmall rounded breads
- rudimentsElementary first principles
- paradiddleDrum sticking pattern
flam · rimshot · brushes · dampening · muffling · striking · ghost notes · crossover
Rate of musical performance
- syncopationStressed unexpected beats
- polyrhythmOverlapping musical beat patterns
- grooveNarrow cut or routine
- backbeatAccent on weak beats
downbeat · upbeat · accent · pulse · meter · subdivision · ostinato · time-signature
Large instrumental ensemble
- symphonyExtended composition for orchestra
- drum corpsBrass, percussion, color guard
- samba schoolBrazilian carnival performance group
- gamelanIndonesian percussive ensemble
drumline · pit orchestra · chamber ensemble · marching band · steel band · accompaniment · section leader
Unaccompanied performer
- virtuosoSupremely accomplished performer
- recitalSolo musical performance
- concertLive musical performance
- gigShort-term paid work
session musician · sideman · timpanist · drum major · clinician · touring · recording · studio work
timpani
Tunable orchestral percussion
- marimbaTuned bar percussion instrument
- xylophonePitched percussion with bars
- vibraphoneMotorized resonator percussion
glockenspiel · snare · bass drum · djembe · congas · bongos · tabla · cajon · cymbals · hi-hat
mallets
Headed striking tools
paradiddle · flam · rimshot · brushes · dampening · muffling · striking · ghost notes · crossover · grip
tempo
Rate of musical performance
- syncopationStressed unexpected beats
- polyrhythmOverlapping musical beat patterns
- grooveNarrow cut or routine
backbeat · downbeat · upbeat · accent · pulse · meter · subdivision · ostinato · time-signature · cadence
orchestra
Large instrumental ensemble
- symphonyExtended composition for orchestra
- drum corpsBrass, percussion, color guard
- samba schoolBrazilian carnival performance group
gamelan · drumline · pit orchestra · chamber ensemble · marching band · steel band · accompaniment · section leader
soloist
Unaccompanied performer
- virtuosoSupremely accomplished performer
- recitalSolo musical performance
- concertLive musical performance
gig · session musician · sideman · timpanist · drum major · clinician · touring · recording · studio work
resonance
Amplified oscillation at natural frequency
- timbreSound's distinctive character
- overtonesImplicit secondary meanings
- attackAggressive act against another
decay · sustain · pitch · brightness · warmth · ringing · metallic · woody · boominess · muffled
percussionistsstring players
Musicians plucking or bowing
violinists · cellists · vocalists · singers · pianists