The percussion family is the largest and most varied category of instruments. They are also the oldest musical instruments. The earliest percussion instrument was the human body itself, for clapping and stomping frequently accompanied singing. Sticks and rocks were adopted shortly thereafter as rudimentary instruments.

The name “percussion” comes from the Latin word percussio, which means to beat or strike. Percussion instruments are struck, shaken, rubbed, or scraped to produce sound. Some are played with the hands, some have beaters or mallets, and some are struck against each other to produce sound. Some percussion instruments are pitched, meaning that they produce a melodic sound, while others are unpitched.

Although percussion instruments were not widely used throughout much of Europe’s musical history, their use became more widespread beginning in the Romantic period. Throughout the twentieth century they assumed a prominent role in orchestras and bands of all sorts. In marching bands, the drum line serves as an essential foundation that provides the steady pulse for marching and playing. There are even musical ensembles that are made up entirely of percussion instruments.