Percussion

Percussion players have by far the greatest number of instruments to deal with in an orchestra. Percussion reinforces rhythm and tonal colour. The only specialised percussionist is the timpanist, who only plays the timpani. Modern timpani are tuned using foot pedals that allow the instrument to be tuned while playing. You can often see a timpanist checking the tuning by bending down over the drumhead and softly tapping it. Percussion players often have a challenging task in following several parts at once, being required to play more than one instrument. Moving from one instrument to another requires not only speed but also agility in changing playing techniques. Percussion parts often contain effects that must be executed precisely together, requiring teamwork and good timing.