SURDO--The Surdos are large bass drums that powerfully and precisely
mark the tempo for the band. The Surdos come in three sizes: Large (resposta),
medium (marcador), and small (cortador). In our band we usually use one large
and one small Surdo that solo off of each other.
TAMBORIM--The tamborim is a small 6''inch diameter drum.
Although small, this
drum produces a powerful, high pitched sound. The polyrythmic
patterns created on these drums are what drive the upper end of our compositions.
AGO-GO BELLS--The Ago-go bells are two attached bells one pitched
slightly higher than the other. The Ago-go bells are what gives us our melody.
We use pitched Pete Engelhardt bells.
CAIXA--or snare drum. We use a standard 14''inch marching
snare drum.
REPINIQUE: The repinique is the lead drum of our world
percussion group. The drum is a high-pitched powerful instrument that calls
the breaks, sets the tempo, and gives direction to the ensemble. It is
also used as a soloing instrument. The drum is worn in front of the director
secured by a strap over the shoulder. It is 12 inches in diameter and 12
inches deep. It is usually made of metal, although some are made from wood.
GANZA OR SHAKER: Although the ganza lacks respect as a
musical instrument in much of North America it is one of the most distinct
and necessary instruments in world percussion. It is the sound that binds
a world beat percussion piece. The ganza is a tube shaped metal instrument
that is filled with pellets. We use single beam and triple beam ganzas
in our compositions.
CUICA: The cuica is probably the most interesting of all
the Brasillian instruments. It is a friction drum that creates high and
low pitch squeals. The best analogy I can think of is it sounds like a
laughing hyena. The drum is played by rubbing a damp cloth on a stick which
is attached to the inside of the drum head. The friction created by rubbing
the stick vibrates the drum head producing its' distinctive sound.
PANDEIRO: The pandeiro is the national instrument of Brasil.
It is the most difficult instrument to play. The pandeiro is similiar to
a tambourine however, the jingles are inverted to face each other. The
drum is held in the left hand and played with the right. The fingers of
the left hand also tap the back of the drum head to produce different pitches
and establish a 16th note rhythm pattern.
COW BELLS: We use two different size cow bells in our
compositions; a large and small bell. The beauty in these instruments is
the polyrhythmic feel that is created when they are played together in
different 16th note or triplet patterns. They really drive the rhythm in
African and Cuban compositions.
TOM-TOM: We use a standard American 10 inch drumset tom-tom
tuned very high. This has become an excellent complement to the repenique
especially during solo's.
REPIQUE DE MAO: This drum has the same basic functions
as the repinique. However it is usually made of wood and has only one drum
head. The sound is warmer than a repinique and is played only with the
hands. This instrument is played in small group combos and needs a microphone
when playing in a club.
TAM-TAM: These drums function as the surdos in small group
compositions. Like the Repique de mao it has one head and is also made
of wood. The shape is cylindrical and tapers off at the end. It is worn
horizontal to the player, secured by a strap over the shoulder.