Dolphin Marching Band | www.dolphinmarchingband.org.uk

Instruments

Bandmaster

Bass Drum
The Bass Drum Is a percussion instrument. The largest and deepest sounding member of the Drum family, it is played with a pair of large felt-headed sticks or beaters. The Bass Drummer plays the main beat for the band, keeping a rhythm and keeping the whole band in time. Our Bass Drummer plays 116 beats per minute. The Bass Drum is usually found in the centre of the Band.

Side-Drum

Side Drum (Snare)
Side Drums make up the first and/or second rank of the Band. Marching percussion instruments are specially designed to be playing while moving. Marching Snare Drums are deeper in size than Snares normally used for orchestral or drum kit purposes.

This gives the drum the big, full sound necessary for outdoor use.

Tenor

Tenor Drum
Tenor Drums make up the second and/or third rank of the Band.

A Tenor Drum is a cylindrical Drum that has a higher pitch than a Bass Drum. Whilst the playing the drummer also 'Spins' the drumsticks for visual affect.

Cymbals

Cymbals
Each player carries two cymbals of identical size and crashes them together, in addition to producing other sound effects by striking or rubbing the cymbals together. New members often spend some time on cymbals when entering the Band as it helps them to learn the tunes, whilst learning to keep to the rhythm of the Band.

Flatbed

Upright

Bell Lyre (Flat-bed & Upright)
The Bell Lyre is a form of glockenspiel commonly used in marching bands. The player marches with the strap over his shoulder and plays the instrument upright with a beater.

Another variation of the Bell Lyre is held by a strap round the shoulders and back. This variation is played horizontally with two beaters as it does not need to be held upright.

Bell Lyres are usually positioned at the back of the band, just before the Bugle rank.

Instruments

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