The fourth section of the orchestra is percussion. Here's where the instruments become FUN. There is more flavour to this section—comprising a host of instruments that make a sound when hit a certain way. This huge family consists of percussion staples such as cymbals, timpani, xylophones, triangles, various types of drums and much more. Percussionists play a LOT of instruments!
Here's some books about drums and drummers!
• Drum Dream Girl by Margarita Engle & Rafael Lopez
In this picture book bursting with vibrance and rhythm, a girl dreams of playing the drums in 1930s Cuba, when the music-filled island had a taboo against female drummers.
This inspiring picture book biography tells the story of world-famous deaf percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie. This is a story of music. Of obstacles. Of strength and hard work. Of all you can accomplish when you dream.
What begins with one boy's beat on a kettle soon spreads to pots and pans and cartons and cans all across the neighborhood. When everyone joins in, together they create the catchy, driving tempo. A summer parade, a drummer parade, a magical bucket-and-bowl serenade!
The biggest mistake Pokko’s parents ever made was giving her the drum. When Pokko takes the drum deep into the forest it is so quiet, so very quiet that Pokko decides to play. And before she knows it she is joined by a band of animals —first the raccoon, then the rabbit, then the wolf—and soon the entire forest is following her.
Our hero drums his way through the day from room to room and page to page, experimenting with objects and surfaces the way all children do. As the day winds down, we also see the rhythm of calmer moments, like the gentle heartbeat heard when snuggling with Mum, “Thrum, thrum, thrum.”
Learn how Nandi Bushell, the young drummer who has played with the Foo Fighters at Wembley, discovered drumming when she was just five years old. She shares how she plays - from the simple drumming beats she first learned to drum rolls, fills and backbeats - and offers insider tips and sage advice for young fans around the world.
Donald loves drumming, all day and all night. But his family all say he is TOO LOUD. So Donald tries other activities-but nothing seems right.
A young boy is introduced to the joys of making music through this imaginative story. Max picks up two twigs and begins tapping out the rhythms of everything he sees around him, from distant church bells to the rumble of the subway. Then, when a marching band rounds his corner, something wonderful happens.
Night-time falls and the possum orchestra begins. Drums bang, violins scratch and I can't sleep!
Rukundo, a boy known for his drumming ability, carries big responsibilities in his village in Rwanda. Each day he must walk many miles just to collect dirty water from the watering hole and often times he can't attend school. When his younger siblings get sick from the dirty water, Rukundo knows that something must be done to provide a water pump for his village. With the assistance of his drumming skills, he draws attention from across the country to help his family gain access to clean water.
Carnival is coming, and the villagers of John John, Trinidad, are getting ready to jump up and celebrate with music, dancing, and a parade. This exuberant story inspired by the early life of Winston “Spree” Simon, a pioneer in the development of the steel drum.
Sometimes the piano is included with the percussion instruments and there are more picture books about pianos than the rest of the percussion. I have written about pianos in picture books before, on Piano Day here and here.
