Accessory Percussion Instruments

Tambourine The standard “orchestral” tambourine should have a head. Tambourines that do not have a head should be used for rock/Latin/popular music.

Performance One hand will hold the instrument while the other plays. –“Piano” playing: Use 2-3 fingertips –“Mezzo Forte”: Use all fingertips –“Forte”: Fist in center of head

Rolls Shake Rolls –Hold instrument vertically –Twist the wrist Thumb Rolls –Rub thumb/finger around edge of head –Moisten finger to create friction

Other Playing Techniques Fist/Knee Technique –When playing rapid passages –Place foot on chair –Hold tambourine upside down –Alternate between fist and knee

Triangle Beater Clip String Triangle

Performance Hold instrument above ensemble (look through it) Rolls are played on the inside edge For fast passages you may need 2 beaters and mount the instrument

Cabasa Used in Latin Music Played by Twisting wrist & Rotating

Wood Block Come in many different sizes Played with mallet

Temple Blocks Usually come in 5 different pitches LP Granite Blocks

Sleigh Bells Played by beating fist against opposite hand Can be shaken for rolls

Slapstick Also referred to as “whip” One handed and two- handed versions

Finger Cymbals Can be played by being struck together or with a triangle beater

Vibraslap Hold instrument vertically for best sound Strike against hand

Shaker eye level Shake with a back-and-forth motion

Castanets Played with hands similar to hand percussion Also come in handle version

Claves Used in Latin music Cup hand to form a “bridge” and strike claves together

Ratchet Turn crank to produce sound

Maracas Traditional Latin Instrument Shake with each hand to produce sound

Guiro Scrape with stick/mallet back and forth to produce sound

Cowbell Strike with stick Strike at various points to produce different timbres

Agogo Bells Similar to cowbells Various pitches