Timpani Trainer | EQUIPMENT

EQUIPMENT

TIMPANI ARE NOT LIKE OTHER DRUMS

The HEAD creates a tone like a marimba or piano. We can change the pitch by changing the tightness of the head. looser=lower

TUNING PEDAL: Changes the tightness of the head. Put your foot on the pedal and press your toe down to raise the pitch.

TUNING BOLT: Don't touch these. Only Mrs. AK and Mrs. Schneider need to worry about it.

COUNTER HOOP: Keeps the drum head in place. Do not move the drums by gripping this!

KETTLE: Amplifies the sound of the drum head by letting the sound resonate (like the tubes under a mallet instrument).

STRUT/POST: Hold here when moving the timpani. Make sure pedal is off the ground.

MALLETS: Use a pair to strike the drum head to create a sound.

PITCH PIPE: Used to help tune the drums. Blow into the part that says the letter name you need, and you will hear that pitch.

SIZES OF THE DRUMS: The number stands for the diameter of the drum head in inches. We know that the bigger the instrument, the lower the sound. Therefore, the biggest drum can play the lowest notes. Each drum has a range of about a fifth.

MORE ABOUT MALLETS

There are many different types of mallets, but starting out we really only need 2-3 different pairs. We currently have three.

The purpose of having different mallets is to create a variety of tone colors and effects on the drum. It does not have to do with volume. You can play any dynamic level with any pair of mallets.

SOFT: Wrapped in a soft felt. Best for legato playing and smooth rolls.

MEDIUM: For general playing. If you're not sure which ones to use, try these first.

HARD: No fluffyness means the mallet gives a much more staccato sound. Use these when you need to play precise articulations or fast, complicated rhythms.

MAINTENANCE

1. TIMPANI ARE NOT TABLES!

2. DON'T TOUCH THE FUZZY END OF THE MALLETS.

3. WHEN DONE PLAYING, PUT COVERS BACK ON AND LOWER THE PEDALS.

4. LEAVE THE MALLETS AND PITCH PIPE ON THE STAND.