Percussion Instruments
Guide To African Percussion And Drums
Many of today’s drums and percussion instruments originated from Africa. It has been the tradition that African instruments, including percussion instruments and drums are part of the communication system along with celebrations. Several types of drums and percussion instruments remain prevalent in Africa, with a few styles more common than others. There are many drum styles available, plus unique drum decorations, so you can customize your instrument.
Djembe Drums
Djembe drums are traditionally carved from a single hollowed piece of wood. The basic shape of the drum is similar to an hourglass, and it has a head that is often made of goat skin. The tuning of authentic djembe drums is done with braided roping that encircles the instruments’ shells, and modern versions incorporate man-made material. The drum is versatile, and a single head produces a vast array of sounds.
An Overview of Dundun Drums
The shape of the dundun drums is that of a hollowed out cylinder. The Dundun drum has two heads, and is rope tuned. The drum’s tonal qualities are governed by the thickness, length, and diameter of the walls of the drum. The material used to make the heads and the density also influence the drum’s voice. You can perform on a dundun using a stick or playing with your hands. The drum often has a bell attached along the side. This drum is traditionally played sideways with one hand playing the head and the other playing the bell.
An Overview of Kpanlogo Drums
Kpanlogo drums, whose origins trace to Ghana, are outwardly distinct in appearance from different African drums. The drum’s body is shaped like a modern conga drum, but it actually has pegs that hold the ropes in place. Rope lining the instrument from its top to its pegs makes this drum distinctive in appearance. The drum size can vary, as does the tone; the larger the drum, the lower the tone it produces. In groups, a single player can play as many as three or four koifutter drums at a single time, presupposed the field service management software is in place.
Hand Drums
Small percussion instruments that are hand held have a lot of variability. Agogo bells, blocks made of wood, different types of shakers, cabassas as well as maracas all initially came from Africa. The unique flavors of these instruments add colorful voices and allow ensembles to reach new, unexpected horizons. Hand percussion is also very useful for including others in playing music. Kids, elderly and disabled people can participate in the auxiliary percussion as members of drum circles, shows and celebrations.