The Drum: Funky Musical Instrument for your choice

Drums are one of the oldest musical instruments used by different cultures all over the world. They are a type of percussion instruments in which sound is produced by means of vibration when the membrane is struck with hands or sticks. This membrane called the drum head is made by stretching animal hide or plastics tight over a hollow frame.

Early usage

The origin of the drums can be traced as far as back 4000BC. Apart from being used as musical instruments, they were also used in

• Religious and ceremonial functions

• Long distance communication.

• These drums also played an important role in combat, to declare war or to signal far away troops.

Types of Drum

What differentiates one drum from the other depends on the sound the produce, the way they are played, the raw materials used and its significance or purpose. Some drums used across the world are:

1. Drum kits: an assortment of drums, cymbals and toms, they are the popular and most recognizable form used by bands and seen on TV.

2. Hand Drums: Played using hands, they include the African djembe, bongos, congas, tablas and hang drums.

3. Oversized drums: Produce low pitched sounds. Example: Japanese taiko, timpani and pitched bass drum used in marching bands.

4. These drums don’t fall into either of the above categories the bodhran and steelpan drum used in Irish and Caribbean music respectively.

Today they are extensively used in the composition of popular music, for recreational purpose, in marching bands and also in therapy.