PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS include the timpani, xylophone, cymbals, triangle, snare drum, bass drum, woodblocks, gongs, and chimes. All of these instruments produce sounds when they are struck, scraped or shaken. A percussionist typically knows how to play many different instruments, since not all music uses the same type of percussion.
Percussion instruments that you strike can be simple, such as a drum that are hit with the hand or drumsticks. Or they can be as complicated as a piano, which has 88 keys, three pedals, and lots of devices inside! Other instruments that are struck with a mallet or other objects to make sound include the timpani, xylophone, cymbals, triangle, snare drum, Bass Drum, woodblocks, gongs, and chimes. All of these are used in an orchestra.
Percussion instruments that are scraped to make a sound are more rare in an orchestra. Instruments that you shake are also rare in orchestras, however, sometimes tamborines and rattels are used.
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