ABSTRACT
Percussion instruments are classified into four families: idiophones, membranophones, aerophones, and chordophones. Only since 1950 have percussion instruments gained the serious attention of musicians. Beginning with Paul Price and his students and extending through the twentieth century, composers recognized the potential of percussion and began to write better parts for school orchestras and bands as well as ensemble and solo literature. The batter head has an outer ring or flesh hoop made of metal. The snare head is held onto the shell by a metal counterhoop through which the tension rods are placed and evenly tightened. A critical element in playing most percussion instruments is the height of the instrument in relationship to the body. For matched grip, the snare drum is placed 8 to 10 inches from the body, about waist high and level or tilted slightly toward the player.
