Percussion Essay

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Percussion: The History
Despite what many may think, percussion is well known across hundreds of nations all over the world. Percussion has been around for centuries, and it has a very important meaning in the lives of many. It would be safe to assume that Percussion will be around for a long time as well, and play an important part in the lives of many people. Most people see drums as a cool thing to do, others see them as a bunch of irritating noise makers; but do they know the history behind them? So what is percussion? Percussion is a musical instrument played by striking with the hand, a handheld, or a pedal-operated stick or beater (Hudson). There are different groups of percussion instruments, and as time went by, they have immensely evolved from where they started (Zed). So what is percussion, where did it start, and what is it used for?
How and where did percussion start? Percussion started in Asia Minor [the western peninsula that now constitutes most of modern Turkey], being the first musical apparatus that ever came into being, existing in nearly every culture since before 6000 B.C. (Samuel & Jason). It was started by the native people hitting various items with sticks and hands. Percussion instruments were used for multiple purposes such as chanting, signaling war and communicating with other tribes (Samuel & Jason). The first percussion instruments were likely human hands and feet used to clap or stomp a rhythm. Eventually cultures discovered that they could create louder, more varied sounds with crafted surfaces and implements. In the 18th and 19th centuries, more percussion instruments [like cymbals and triangles] came to being. It is impossible to say where the first percussion instrument was made, t...

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...e history of percussion is a very fascinating field of study; it is also important to those in the music industry, and for those who would like to pursue it. Percussion is also important because without it our music would be boring. It is also very helpful, because without it the Native Americans would not have been able to signal or communicate with each other and call for help during war and other times of need. While doing research on this subject I learned only a few things, such as the origin, what they are used for, and its important role in everything aside from marching band. The subject of percussion seems to be a much more important idea than most give credit for. The next time you see or hear about percussion, you will easily identify any of the instruments that a band member is playing. Now, you can give credit to where credit is due and deserving.

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