Brass Band Instrumentation

• Instruments:
• Cornet
• Flügel
• Horn
• Baritone
• Trombone
• Euphonium
• Bass
• Percussion

Definition
The strict definition of a brass band requires that only brass instruments are included
(except for the percussion section). No strings or reeds, only instruments where the
sound is produced by buzzing the lips into a cup-shaped mouthpiece. This eliminates the
saxophone, which is generally constructed of brass but uses a single reed as the sound
source.

Instruments Used
The modern Salvation Army band is based on the English contest band. The instruments
used include cornets, flügelhorns, horns, baritones, trombones, euphoniums, and basses.
Percussion instruments are used in most bands.

In a contest band, the number of players is fixed by rule, and the compositions are
tailored for that size. In Salvation Army banding, there is no set size for a group. In fact,
music for Salvation Army bands is published for groups as small as four players. In order
to play the most complex Salvation Army pieces, as many as 25 players are required.

An example of the distribution of instruments in a brass band is provided by listing the

instruments used in the National Capital Band of the Salvation Army, which is based in
Washington, DC. (This list is based on the composition of the band in February, 2002.)

• 10 cornets, including 1 E-flat soprano cornet

• 1 flügelhorn
• 5 horns
• 3 baritones
• 3 trombones, including 1 bass trombone
• 2 euphoniums
• 4 basses
• 2 percussionists
Voices
The most basic arrangements for a band consist of four parts, corresponding to the four
basic voice parts in a choir – soprano, alto, tenor, and bass.

Instruments Voice Parts

Cornet, Flügelhorn Soprano, Alto

Horn Alto, Tenor

Baritone Tenor

Trombone Tenor, Bass

Euphonium Tenor, Bass

Bass (Tuba) Bass

These are the “normal” assignments. Composers frequently use the instruments in
different ways to achieve the musical effect they desire. Different combinations of
instruments can make the sound remarkably different even when all of the notes are
exactly the same. One of the more extreme examples is the euphonium solo
Shenandoah, by Stephen Bulla. In the band accompaniment, the cornet section is not
used at all. In arrangements for larger groups, special effects such as trombone quartets
can be used.

Color
In a musical context, the term “color” refers to a quality of sound. This is most often
described in terms of light: “bright” sounds or “dark” sounds. A bright sound is clear and
ringing; a dark sound is mellow and complex. In general, brass instruments are bright
when compared to other orchestral instruments. One of the limitations of an all-brass
instrumentation is that the range of color is small. Within the brass instrument family,
there are shades of color. Brass instruments whose bore is mostly cylindrical, such as the
trombone, are the brightest. Mellow instruments, such as the flügelhorn, have a conical
bore.

In the typical brass band, the cornets and trombones are the bright instruments.
Flügelhorn and euphonium are the dark instruments. The other instruments (horns,
baritones, and basses) are somewhere in between, closer to the mellow quality.

Composers employ several different methods of extending the color range of the brass
band. Mutes of various types have the most pronounced effect. More subtle differences
can be introduced by the use of different keys and pitch registers. Well-trained players
have some control over the brightness of the sound.

 
Instruments: Cornet

Pictured: Bach Stradivarius Bb Cornet Model 184

The CORNET is a close relative of the trumpet. The standard

cornet in brass bands is the Bb cornet. The instrument's pitch range is that same as that
of the trumpet. The cornet is the most numerous instrument in the brass band, with
about a third of the players playing cornets. A full brass band also includes the soprano
cornet, a smaller version of the instrument which is pitched in Eb.

Physical Description

The cornet is the smallest instrument used in the brass band. The main tube has a
conical bore, gradually tapering from the leadpipe to the bell. Virtually all cornets have
three valves of the piston type. The instrument is equipped with rings or levers on the
third and (sometimes) on the first valve slide. These are used to compensate for
intonation problems that are inherent in any brass instrument design.

When played, the cornet is held straight out from the lips, with the valves vertical or
slightly inclined to the player's right. The right hand is used to manipulate the valves,
and the left hand supports the instrument. If the cornet is equipped with compensation
mechanisms, they are usually operated with the left hand.

Tone Color

The tone of the cornet is midway in color between the bright sound of a trumpet and the
dark, complex tone of the flügelhorn. The relatively short air column gives the cornet
agility and responsiveness.

Brass arrangers and composers sometimes modify the sound quality of the cornet by
specifying various kinds of mutes. The straight mute and cup mute are the most
common. More subtle changes in timbre can be achieved by writing in high or low
registers, varying the key, instructing the player to play with the bell close to the stand,
use of dynamics, or the presence or absence of vibrato.

Role in the Brass Band

In a brass band, the cornet supplies the principal soprano voice. This instrument occupies
a position in the band similar to that of the violin in a symphony orchestra. In small
groups, the cornet is almost always the principal melody instrument. However, even in
small groups (such as a sextet), there are usually at least two cornet parts, with the
second part supplying the alto voice.

In more complex arrangements, the cornet section is sometimes split into three or four
parts. The parts are often subdivided as divisi into two, three or more voices. Because
the cornet is the highest-pitched instrument in the brass band, and because its tone is
relatively bright, it is capable of “cutting through” and being heard even when the entire
band is playing. The agility and speed which can be achieved by a skilled cornet player
also make it a favored instrument for solo items, both with and without full band
accompaniment.

Because of its small size and relatively low cost, the cornet is the instrument most often
used for beginner instruction.

Cornet vs. Trumpet

Physical

Although the length of the main tube is the same on both the cornet and the trumpet,
the arrangement of the tubing is different. The trumpet's tube is straighter, with fewer
curves and loops. This makes the instrument longer in terms of the actual distance
between the player's lips and the flare of the bell.

Pictured: Bach Stradivarius Bb Trumpet Model 180

Not only does the cornet have a more complex tubing design, but the tube itself is more
tapered, with a conical bore instead of a cylindrical bore for the bulk of its length.
Although the diameter of the bell at the extreme end of the flare is generally similar (this
varies depending on the manufacturer and model), the cornet's flare is more gradual.

Timbre

Both the tubing complexity and the degree of slope of the bore influence the final sound
of the instrument. When viewed with an oscilloscope or a similar device, a trumpet tone
is clearer (closer to a pure sine curve) than that of a cornet. The trumpet sound is also
easier to “overblow”, when the sound is distorted into a harsh blast. A cornet, because
the sound is more complex and “fuzzy”, is less easy to overblow (although it is still
possible). The cornet's sound is more gentle and warm than that of the trumpet. Trumpet
players rarely employ vibrato, while that technique is frequently employed by cornetists.
Soprano Cornet

Pictured: Yamaha Professional Eb Soprano Cornet Model 6610S

Larger bands usually include an Eb soprano cornet. This

instrument is pitched a perfect fourth higher than the Bb cornet. It is brighter in sound
than the “regular” cornet, and can be easily heard above the full band tutti. Some
players use piccolo trumpets instead of the soprano cornet.

This variant of the common cornet is considered a difficult instrument to play, in part
because of the exposed nature of the parts. There is almost always only one soprano
cornet in a band, and soprano players are considered specialists. Although it possess the
same agile qualities as the Bb cornet, and is generally played by a skilled person, the
soprano is rarely featured as a solo instrument.

Instruments: Flugelhorn

Pictured: Kanstul Model ZKF1525

 The flügelhorn is the mellow instrument of the upper brass,
analogous to the euphonium in the lower brass section. It is pitched in B-flat and has the
same range as the cornet. It is the highest-pitched member of the saxhorn family in
general use.

The flügelhorn has a pronounced conical bore. Most are constructed with three valves of
the piston type. The instrument is similar in configuration to the cornet or trumpet, with
the bell pointing straight out from the player. Because the conical section of the bore
covers so much of the length of the tube, many flügelhorns are equipped with a means of
tuning the instrument by adjusting the length of the leadpipe, instead of having a main
tuning slide.

Role in the Brass Band

In the brass band, the sound of the flügelhorn is often covered by the cornets. It is often
used for softening the tone color of the cornet section. Another major role is to provide
support for the top of the horn section. The contrast of the mellow sound with the
brighter tone of the cornet makes the flügelhorn a commonly used solo instrument in full
band arrangements, although there are relatively few stand-up solos written for the
instrument.

Instruments: Horn

Pictured: Yamaha Eb Horn Model YAH602S

The word HORN is often used as a generic term for any brass instrument. In brass band
instrumentation the horn section is comprised of upright saxhorns pitched in E-flat, called
“tenor horns” or “alto horns”. The most common configuration is the strict upright, with
the bell facing upward. Occasionally, bell-front horns are seen (most commonly in bands
that do a lot of marching). Three piston valves are standard on the E-flat tenor horn.
Many newer horns are being made with triggers to help compensate for the inherent
tuning issues faced by all brass instruments.

Role in the Brass Band

The E-flat tenor horn is considered one of the “mellow” instruments in the brass band. In
four-part arrangements, the horn is used for the alto and tenor voices. Because the
range of the horn is between the brighter-sounding cornets and trombones, the darker
sound is sometimes difficult to hear. However, the horn sound is a key component of the
overall sound of a brass band, anchoring the “middle” of the band.

The horn is used as a solo instrument, although not as frequently as the cornet or
euphonium. Most horn solos are of the more melodic type, although some good technical
solos exist.

Tenor Horn vs. French Horn

The orchestral French horn is built on a circular pattern, and is played with the bell facing
down and toward the rear. The modern French horn is usually a double horn, pitched in F
and B-flat, with three rotary valves, and a fourth valve that switches between the F and
B-flat halves of the horn. Unlike most brass instruments, the valves are operated with
the left hand. The right hand is positioned in the flare of the bell, and is used to partially
control the pitch and sound of the instrument. The mouthpiece of the French horn is
smaller than that of the tenor horn, and the flare of the bell is considerably greater. The
tubing of a French horn is longer than that of the tenor horn (the length of the
fundamental tube of an F horn is the same as that of an F tuba).

Pictured: Bach Double Horn in F/Bb Model B1102

The long fundamental tube of the French horn, coupled with the small diameter of the
mouthpiece, mean that the French horn is played mostly in the top part of its theoretical
range. This makes the sound very intense, but sometimes difficult to control. Special
effects, such as the fast lip arpeggio (sometimes called a “rip”), are possible because the
overtones are close together in the upper part of the range.
The use of the tenor horn instead of the French horn in the brass band is rooted in
tradition. One major drawback of the French horn is that it is difficult to play on the
march. The usual playing position, with the right hand positioned inside the bell, is very
difficult to achieve when walking. Brass bands were often (and in some cases, still are)
marching bands, so the tenor horn was adopted. The tone qualities of the tenor horn also
blend more easily with the other instruments that comprise a brass band.

Instruments: Baritone

Pictured: Yahama Professional Baritone Model YBH621S

The BARITONE is a member of the brass instrument family known as saxhorns. This
family also includes the flügelhorn, the tenor (alto) horn, and the euphonium. Baritones
are usually similar in appearance to the tenor horn. They are pitched in B-flat, with the
same pitch range as the tenor trombone.

Structurally, the baritone horn used in a British-style brass

band is constructed in an upright pattern, with the bell pointing upward. The bore is
moderately conical, and the tone of the instrument is midway between the bright sound
of the trombone and the mellow timbre of the euphonium. There are usually three valves
of the piston type, although some baritones are made with four valves (the photo
accompanying this article shows a four-valve baritone). The standard three-valve
baritone often has a compensating system that uses connecting tubes between the
valves. These tubes alter the length of the air column for particular valve combinations.
Some newer baritones include a trigger mechanism that kicks out the third or first valve
slide for compensation.
Role in the Brass Band
The baritone is generally assigned the tenor part in a four-part setting, along with the
lower horn parts, trombones, and/or euphonium. In more complex arrangements, such
as those published in the Triumph and General Series, there are usually two baritone
parts. Traditionally, the baritone is almost never used as a solo instrument, as its agility
and range are often thought to be quite limited in comparison with the euphonium.
However, in recent years, especially in the contesting band arena, baritone solos and solo
specialists have become more common. The advent of the four-valve baritone has
extended the downward range of the instrument, and larger bores and better design
have improved agility and power.

Instruments: Trombone

Pictured: King Legend 3B Tenor Trombone

In terms of its basic design, the TROMBONE is the simplest of the modern brass
instruments, consisting of a mostly cylindrical brass tube with only two bends. The bell
flare generally begins near the second bend (which is also the most common location for
the tuning slide), covering one-fourth to one-third of the length of the tube.

The tenor trombone is pitched in B-flat, with a nominal fundamental tube length of nine
feet. The range is identical to that of the baritone horn. Because the bore of the
instrument is straight and cylindrical for much of the length, the trombone has the
brightest sound of any of the usual brass band instruments. The slide makes the
instrument capable of unique effects, the most well-known being the glissando.

The pitch of the instrument is changed by altering the fundamental length of the main
tube using a large slide. There are seven slide positions (each one of which corresponds
to one of the seven valve combinations possible on a three-valved instrument). In the
first position, the slide is fully retracted and in the seventh the slide is fully extended.
Each succeeding position lengthens the tube and lowers the fundamental pitch of the
instrument by a half-step.

Many trombones, especially bass trombones, are fitted with

valves which are located between the slide and the second bend. These are almost
always rotary valves, operated by the player's left thumb (assuming a right-handed
player). Usually, only one valve is used, although trombones with two or three "triggers"
are also used. The first valve is usually equivalent to the sixth position. A trombone with
triggers should not be confused with the valve trombone, which is shaped like a
trombone but with trumpet-style piston valves and no main slide. Valve trombones are
generally inferior in sound and are rarely used in better ensembles.

Role in the Brass Band

In four-part arrangements, the trombones usually are assigned the tenor part (or the
bass part for the bass trombone). In larger arrangements, the trombones are frequently
used to “color” the sound, being used almost as an ornamental part of the band. The
trombone is frequently featured as a solo instrument. In some compositions, the sound
of the trombone is altered by the use of a straight mute or a cup mute.

Because of the bright quality of its sound, the trombone is used in combination with the
cornets for a brilliant sound, or in contrast to the mellow instruments. When playing with
horns and baritones, the sound of the trombone will easily dominate.

The Bass Trombone

Pictured: Holton Bass Trombone Model TR181

The BASS TROMBONE is a larger version of the common tenor trombone. Most modern
bass trombones have one or more valves (sometimes called “triggers”). Older bass
trombones simply had extra-long slides, with a small swivel handle attached to allow the
player to reach the lower positions. Bass trombones are sometimes termed E-flat, F or G
trombones. In the brass band, the bass trombone part is unique because it is written at
true pitch in the bass clef.

The bass trombone is the most powerful individual instrument in the brass band. The
characteristic blare of a bass trombone fortissimo is a familiar and essential part of the
brass band sound.

 
Instruments: Euphonium

Pictured: Besson Prestige Professional Model 2051

The EUPHONIUM is usually built in an upright pattern, with three or (more commonly)
four valves of the piston type. The bore is relatively large and strongly conical, making
the sound of the instrument dark and rich. The range of the instrument is similar to that
of the baritone or trombone, however, low notes are generally better in quality than on
the smaller-bore instruments.

The tone color of the euphonium is the most mellow in the brass band (with the possible
exception of the flügelhorn). A comparison of the timbre of the upper and lower groups of
B-flat instruments shows that each group has a bright, moderate, and dark member.

Upper Choir Lower Choir Tone Color

Trumpet Trombone Bright
Cornet Baritone Neutral
Flügelhorn Euphonium Dark

Role in the Brass Band

The euphonium is the principal tenor voice of the brass band.

Its role is similar to that of the cello in a symphony orchestra. The sound is more
powerful than that of the baritone, although it can be overwhelmed by the bright
instruments such as cornets and trombones. In Salvation Army music, the euphonium is
often assigned the counter-melody (for example, in the Band Tune Book, the euphonium
book contains both the melody and any counter-melody, with the counter-melody being
the preferred part).
The classic brass band format has two euphoniums, with the part being frequently
divided. The euphonium is also extensively used as a solo instrument, second only to the
cornet.

Instruments: Bass (Tuba)

Pictured: Yamaha Professional BBb Bass Model 631S

The basses used in brass bands are generally of two types: the E-flat bass and the B-flat
bass (sometimes called the “double B-flat” bass). The BASS horn, or TUBA, is the largest
of the brass instruments. There are many different patterns and names for these
instruments. The ones most often used in brass bands follow the upright pattern (similar
to that of the euphonium). Most of these tubas are constructed with four valves of the
piston type.

The tubas used in symphony orchestras are most often pitched in F or C. They are also
usually upright in pattern, but many are constructed with rotary rather than piston
valves. Since orchestral parts are generally written in bass clef, indicating the actual
concert pitch to be played, the choice of which tuba to use is often left to the discretion
of the player. In marching bands, the helicon or wrap-around tuba (in America, these
tubas are commonly referred to as Sousaphones) is often used. These tubas wrap
entirely around the player's body, with a very large flared bell pointing forward. This type
of tuba is generally inferior in sound to the upright versions, but is ideal for its intended
marching application.

The bore of the typical bass is conical, and the instrument's sound is on the mellow side.
However, because of the depth of the sound, tubas are not regarded as having any
particular bright or dark timbre. The tuba is used in almost any combination with the
other instruments of the band. The size of the instrument makes it the least agile and
responsive of the brass band instruments.
The E-flat Bass

Pictured: Willson Eb Bass Model 3400S

The E-flat bass is pitched a fifth lower than the

trombone or euphonium, and an octave lower than the horn. In Salvation Army
publications, as in many traditional brass band publications, the bass parts are written in
treble clef. An E-flat bass playing such a part sounds an octave and a sixth below the
written (concert) pitch. It is the smaller of the two types of tuba used in the traditional
brass band.

The B-flat Bass

The B-flat bass is the largest and lowest-pitched

instrument in the brass band. It is pitched a fourth below the E-flat bass and an octave
below the euphonium. In Salvation Army publications, as in many traditional brass band
publications, the bass parts are written in treble clef. When written in this way, the B-flat
bass sounds two octaves and a second below the written (concert) pitch. This two-octave
difference between the written and actual sounds is sometimes credited with the
common designation of this instrument as the double B-flat tuba.

Role in the Brass Band

As in any musical group, the role of the bass instruments in a brass band is to provide a
foundation for the rest of the sound. An essential component of all good brass bands is a
powerful bass section, which is sometimes felt rather than heard. In the hands of a
skilled player, the bass can be an effective melodic instrument, although solo bass
passages are rare. The instrument is rarely used as a solo instrument, but some tuba
solos have been published over the years.

Instruments: Percussion
Percussion instruments in a brass band, as in an orchestra or any other musical
ensemble, include drums, cymbals, triangles, bells, chimes, and a variety of other things
that are played principally by striking them with a stick, hand, mallet, or another
instrument. The percussion section also plays the “special effects” instruments, such as
slide whistles and sirens, when they are specified by a composer. The main purpose of
the percussion section is to provide a rhythmic foundation for the ensemble.

The typical brass band has two or three percussionists, although some pieces call for as
many as six. Some arrangements call for traditional orchestral percussion, while more
contemporary arrangements are best played with a jazz/rock style drum kit.

Indefinite, Fixed, and Variable Pitch

There are three basic types of percussion instruments. Instruments such as the snare
drum and cymbal are of indefinite pitch. The sound they produce has no specific pitch
and works with any harmony or key that the band might be playing. However, even
instruments with indefinite pitch still have a relative pitch – a larger drum will sound
deeper than a smaller drum, assuming that head tension, etc. is equal.

Chimes, bells, and xylophone are examples of fixed-pitch percussion instruments. These
instruments have a definite pitch, but the pitch cannot be tuned or changed by the
player. Usually, fixed-pitch percussion instruments are arranged in sets, similar to the
layout of a piano keyboard.

The most common variable-pitch percussion instruments are the timpani (also known as
kettledrums). The individual instruments can be tuned to a specific pitch by the player.
The range of adjustment is usually rather small (typically less than one octave).
Instruments: Percussion
Descriptions of common percussion instruments

Percussion Instruments

Drums Snare Drum Bass Drum Timpani

Cymbals Suspended Crash Hi-hat

Mallets Xylophone Bells Chimes

Miscellaneous Triangle Tambourine

Drums
A DRUM is a open, hollow cylinder (the body) with a membrane (head) stretched over
one or both of the openings. This is one of the most familiar and ancient of all
instruments and is used in almost every human culture. Drums are usually played by
striking the head with a stick or hand.

Snare Drum

Pictured: Yamaha Concert Series Snare Drum with Birch Shell

The SNARE DRUM, sometimes referred to as the side drum, is descended from military
marching drums. The typical snare drum is relatively small, with a shallow body and two
heads. The drum is played in a horizontal position, supported by a stand in a concert
formation or hanging at the player's side in a marching formation (this is the genesis of
the term “side drum”). Only the upper head is struck when the drum is played. Wires,
called snares, are stretched across the lower head, producing a distinctive rattling sound
when the drum is struck. Usually, a lever on the side of the drum is provided to loosen
the snares, eliminating the rattle.
The snare drum is most often played with wooden drum sticks. Brushes are also
commonly used for a softer effect. Common special effects played by the snare drum
include playing with the snares off and the rim shot, where the rim of the cylinder is
struck rather than the head. The snare drum has indefinite pitch.

Bass Drum

Pictured: Pearl Concert Series Bass Drum and Stand

The orchestral BASS DRUM is a large drum with two heads. It is generally played in an
upright position, although many ensembles have drums mounted on special frames that
allow the instrument to be rotated to a horizontal position. The bass drum is usually
played with a wooden stick whose playing end is covered in felt, wool, or other soft
material. One stick (sometimes double-ended) is generally used. Sometimes, the player
will place a hand on the drum head to dampen the sound. Either head may be played.
The bass drum has indefinite pitch. Bass drums are sometimes played with two sticks or
with timpani mallets for special effects.

Bass drums used for marching are usually smaller in size. They are carried in front of the
player, resting on the chest and belly, with shoulder straps for support. A marching
drummer usually uses two sticks with somewhat hard felt coverings, one for each drum
head. The primary purpose of the bass drum in a marching band is to provide the beat
and keep the players in step.

In drum kits (also called trap sets), the bass drum is even smaller than the marching
bass drum and sometimes only has one head. The head(s) are usually damped by a
pillow or blanket placed inside the body, making the sound very short and sharp. The
drum is played by means of a hard felt mallet attached to a foot pedal.
Timpani (Kettledrums)

Pictured: Ludwig Standard Fiberglass Timpani

TIMPANI are large drums with a bowl-shaped body (only one opening) and a single head.
Most modern timpani are made of fiberglass, formerly, most were made with copper or
bronze bodies. The timpani is unique among the drum family because it can be tuned (it
is a variable-pitch percussion instrument). The range of each particular drum is small -
generally less than one octave. Timpani are generally used in sets of two or more.

Timpani are played with a variety of mallets, varying in hardness and composition. They
are among the most powerful of the percussion instruments, and can dominate the sound
of a band when necessary. There are few special effects possible with a kettledrum, the
most notable being the glissando, which is possible only on drums with a pedal.

Cymbals
A CYMBAL is a metal disc, almost flat but with a slight bell shape, that is struck with a
stick or mallet, or, when used in pairs, struck together. Modern cymbals are Turkish in
origin, although the cymbal is one of the oldest musical instruments known.

Suspended Cymbals

Pictured: Zildjian K Ride Cymbal

A SUSPENDED CYMBAL is a single plate, hung from a string or placed on a stand so that
it is free to vibrate. The cymbal is usually played by striking it on the top surface with a
mallet or drum stick. The cymbal can also be struck with brushes, or scraped with a
triangle beater or a coin. This type of cymbal is a standard part of a drum kit (trap set).
Suspended cymbals are of indefinite pitch, but larger (in diameter) cymbals have a
deeper tone. Several variations of the standard suspended cymbal have been created.
For example, a sizzle cymbal is a standard flat cymbal, with a number of holes drilled
near the edge. Rivets slightly smaller in diameter than the holes are installed, giving a
"sizzle" effect when the instrument is struck.

Crash Cymbals

Pictured: Sabian 11856 Orchestral Crash Cymbals

Nothing in concert music is quite like the sound of CRASH CYMBALS. They are always
used in pairs, and are played by striking one with the other. A crash cymbal is similar in
design to a suspended cymbal, but is usually larger. Hand loops, usually of leather or
strong cloth, are attached through a central hole. The cymbals are crashed together with
a somewhat glancing blow. Often, the player will hold the cymbals high after the crash to
allow the sound to resonate.

Hi-hat Cymbals

Pictured: Zildjian A Series Custom Hi Hat

The HI-HAT is commonly seen in drum kits (trap sets). It consists of a small suspended
cymbal, under which is mounted a similar cymbal, upside down. The upper plate is
attached to a mechanism, usually activated by a foot pedal, that allows it to be moved
quickly up and down. Only the top cymbal is struck, usually with a drum stick or brush.
Other effects are achieved by letting the top plate fall onto the bottom plate, or moving it
after it is struck while the sound is still ringing.

Mallet Instruments
Mallet instruments are fixed-pitch instruments that are played with one or more mallets.
The xylophone is the typical mallet instrument. Mallet playing can be very complex, and
mallet percussionists are recognized as possessing a specific skill.
Xylophone

Pictured: Musser M41 Xylophone

The XYLOPHONE is the prototypical mallet instrument. The instrument consists of a series
of wooden bars, each tuned to a specific pitch. The bars are contained within a horizontal
frame that allows them to vibrate freely (usually suspended from elastic strings). Metal
tubes that resonate the sound are placed under the bars. The bars are usually arranged
in a manner similar to that of the piano keyboard. Lower bars are longer and sometimes
thicker than the higher bars, and the resonating tubes for the lower notes are longer. The
range of the instrument depends on the number of bars used.

The xylophone is played with at least two mallets (one in each hand). More advanced
players can play with multiple mallets in each hand, allowing the playing of fairly complex
harmony. The sound of the xylophone is relatively dry and staccato. Sustained notes are
played by rolling (as on a snare drum). Tone quality is rather inflexible on a xylophone,
althogh subtle differences can be made by varying the hardness of the mallets used.

Bells

Pictured: Musser M646 Steel Orchestral Bells

A set of BELLS consists of a number of metal bars, each tuned to a specific pitch. The
bars are suspended in a horizontal frame which allows them to vibrate freely. They are
arranged in a pattern similar to that of the piano keyboard. The bells are played with
very hard (usually brass) mallets and have a sustained ringing sound. Usually, two
mallets are used. The range of the instrument depends on the number of bars in the set.
Chimes (Tubular Bells)

Pictured: Musser Symphonic Chimes

CHIMES, also known as tubular bells, are long metal cylinders mounted vertically in a
frame that allows them to vibrate freely. Each tube is tuned to a specific pitch. The
percussionist strikes the top of the tube with a hammer-like wooden mallet. The sound is
similar to that of a small church bell. Most sets of chimes are equipped with a damper
mechanism, usually activated by a foot pedal, to control the length of the notes.

Miscellaneous Instruments

Triangle

Pictured: Ludwig Triangle Set With Beater And Clip

An instrument with indefinite pitch, the TRIANGLE is used to put high overtone highlights
on the band sound. As with most indefinite pitch instruments, larger triangles produce a
deeper tone. The triangle is a metal bar, bent into a triangle with one open corner,
suspended from a string or wire. It is played by striking it with a beater, usually a small
metal rod. The tone is clear and high-pitched. The trill is a special technique where the
beater is rapidly vibrated in one of the corners, making a sound similar to an old-
fashioned telephone or alarm clock bell.

Tambourine

Pictured: Remo Percussion Fixed Head Tambourine

One of the oldest of the percussion instruments, the TAMBOURINE is a small drum body,
with or without a single head. Jingles, or pairs of small cymbals, are placed on spindles in
slots on the body. The tambourine can be shaken or struck.