Percussion

Whether striking an object or a body part, percussion was probably the earliest form of instrument playing, discovered independently by people around the world. Percussion instruments are typically played by striking a surface, either a membrane or hard material, like metal or wood; others can be shaken or even rubbed. Some percussion instruments have defined pitch, like timpani, or can be played melodically, like marimbas and chimes. The National Music Museum’s collection represents western European orchestral and band traditions, as continued in the United States, including early rope tension drums, as well as traps and other noise makers associated with vaudeville and silent films.