| The timpani, which is more commonly known as | | | | adjusting the tuning screws around the |
| the kettledrum, are a member of the percussion | | | | circumference of the drum. Only when these |
| family. The main body of the drum is typically | | | | screws have equal pressure will the right sound |
| made of copper and the top that stretches over | | | | be produced. Otherwise, the sound will be off and |
| the copper body to create the part of the drum | | | | the drummer will not get the right pitch when |
| that is hit with drum sticks, is typically made out | | | | they strike the drum. |
| of a type of calf skin or plastic. To play this | | | | Choosing to play the drums appears to be a |
| particular drum, there are a specific kind of drum | | | | common decision among many younger people. |
| stick that must by used, which is called a timpani | | | | Some even make the mistake that playing the |
| mallet or stick. What makes this particular drum | | | | drums is fairly simple. While it can be for some, |
| unique is the fact that they can be tuned to | | | | playing the drum can be difficult too. It depends |
| produce a definite pitch when struck by a timpani | | | | on what kind of drummer a person decides to be. |
| stick. | | | | When starting to learn how to play the timpani, a |
| To be more specific in the construction of the | | | | person might need some practice and some time |
| timpani, the body on more expensive models is | | | | to become familiar in how to detect the right |
| made out of copper. Cheaper models are made | | | | sound the drum should make. Really, it is like |
| out of aluminum or fiberglass. The skin or top of | | | | playing many other kinds of instruments. It takes |
| the drum is attached to the drum by a hoop | | | | time and practice to learn, but in the end it can be |
| which fits over the skin on the side. This is then | | | | rewarding. |
| held on by another hoop, known as the | | | | There are many people who will pick this up to |
| counterhoop. As mentioned before, the head of | | | | play in bands and attempt to make a musical |
| the timpani or kettledrum is mad out of calf skin, | | | | career out of it, but there are also many other |
| goat skin or plastic. Before playing, these drums | | | | people who will take up this kind of drum as a |
| also need to be tuned. If the drum is not tuned | | | | hobby. They like to play it, they find it relaxing |
| properly, then a different pitch will be made each | | | | and they find it a great release from a long day. |
| time the drummer strikes the drum with the | | | | It is up to the musician in the end whether they |
| drum stick. | | | | believe they need a new timpani drum or a used |
| When the drum is tuned properly, the pitch will be | | | | one. In many cases, finding used ones can save |
| perfect with each strike of the drum stick and a | | | | money and they can work just as well as a new |
| nice sound will be created. The drum is tuned by | | | | one if it has been taken care of properly. |