Drums

Definition

Drums are percussion instruments that create sound by striking a membrane, or drumhead, with sticks or hands. They have played a crucial role in various musical traditions, providing rhythm and enhancing the emotional impact of performances. Drums not only serve as musical instruments but also as cultural symbols, often representing communal identity and history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the Middle Passage, enslaved Africans used drumming as a means of communication and to preserve their cultural identity, often playing rhythms that reflected their African heritage.
2. Drums were essential in African music traditions and were integral to rituals, celebrations, and social gatherings, helping to maintain community bonds.
3. In the early 20th century, drums began to evolve in jazz music, providing the backbone for many styles and allowing for greater improvisation within ensembles.
4. The big band era saw the rise of drummers who developed complex rhythms and syncopation, which became signature elements of swing music and helped drive the danceable beats of the time.
5. Drumming techniques and styles significantly influenced popular music genres such as rock and roll and funk, showcasing the versatility of drums across different musical landscapes.

Review Questions

• How did drums function as a tool for communication and cultural preservation during the Middle Passage?
  • Drums served as a vital means of communication among enslaved Africans during the Middle Passage, allowing them to share information and express emotions despite oppressive conditions. The rhythms played on drums were rooted in African musical traditions, helping to preserve their cultural identities even in the face of forced displacement. These drumming practices fostered a sense of community and solidarity among enslaved individuals, connecting them to their heritage and each other.
• Discuss the transformation of drumming techniques during the big band era and their impact on swing music.
  • During the big band era, drumming techniques evolved significantly as musicians began to explore more complex rhythms and syncopation. Drummers like Chick Webb and Gene Krupa became iconic figures by developing energetic drum solos that complemented the orchestration of big bands. This shift not only enhanced the rhythmic foundation of swing music but also encouraged dancers to respond to these new tempos, further solidifying swing as a dominant style in American music during that time.
• Evaluate the role of drums in shaping the evolution of African American music from the Middle Passage through the big band era.
  • Drums have been instrumental in shaping African American music from the Middle Passage to the big band era by serving as both a cultural anchor and a catalyst for innovation. In the context of the Middle Passage, drums allowed enslaved Africans to communicate their shared experiences and maintain cultural ties despite oppressive circumstances. As jazz emerged in the early 20th century, drummers contributed to new rhythmic forms that redefined musical expression. By the time of the big band era, drumming techniques had further evolved to incorporate more sophisticated rhythms that drove swing music's popularity, demonstrating how this percussion instrument has consistently adapted while remaining central to African American musical identity.

Related terms

Djembe: A rope-tuned skin-covered drum played with bare hands, originating from West Africa, often used in ceremonial and social contexts.

Bateria: A Brazilian percussion ensemble typically found in samba music, featuring a variety of drums and other percussion instruments that create vibrant rhythms.

Rhythm Section: A group of instruments in a band that provides the harmonic and rhythmic foundation of a piece of music, often including drums, bass, and other percussion.