Drum

a musical instrument played by percussion or pounding. The ordinary drum consists of a wooden or metal cylinder, shaped like a cheese hoop. A circular sheet of parchment, called a head, is stretched taut over each end, and held in place by a hoop. Cords interlacing from hoop to hoop serve to regulate the tightness of the drumheads. The tighter the vellum, the higher the note. The tambourine, the timbrel, and the drum are all of Eastern origin; the former two are played by the fingers. The drum is played with sticks. A snare drum is played by two sticks on the same end. It is a regular accompaniment of the fife. The large bass drum is sometimes called the Turkish drum. It is played by two padded sticks, one at each end. It is a regular feature of a military band, and has its place in the orchestra. The kettledrum used in the orchestra is a hemispherical metal basin covered with vellum and resting usually in a tripod. It may be tightened by screws. Kettledrums are played in pairs--one being tuned a fourth below the other. See Orchestra