Percussion instruments such as drums, cymbals, gongs, and xylophones
comprise one of the largest and ever-expanding areas of music
performance, composition, and sound effects. Profusely illustrated, A
Dictionary for the Modern Percussionist and Drummer is an essential
resource for any student, professional, or amateur musician who wants to
delve into the vast world of percussion and drumming instruments and
terminology. With an emphasis on modern terms in many languages and
genres, James A. Strain has defined, detailed, and explained the use of
percussion instruments and drums not only for classical genres (such as
orchestra, symphonic, band, and opera) but also for popular styles (such
as jazz, rock, music theater, and marching band). Also included are
those world music instruments and ensembles commonly found in public
school and university settings (such as steel drum bands, samba bands,
and gamelan ensembles) as well as historical genres related to rope and
rudimental drumming. Written for professional and amateur percussionists
as well as non-percussionist educators, this book includes valuable
topics on instrument construction and tuning and specific playing
techniques, as well as instrument setup diagrams with models and ranges
of keyboard percussion instruments. With more than 300 images and
examples, it is the ideal reference book to enable any musician to
better understand the extensive world of percussion and drumming.
