Drum
An instrument of percussion, the body hollow, made of wood or metal, one or both ends being covered with vellum or parchment drawn tight by braces. Three kinds of drum are used in modern music: (I) The kettle drum; this is the only one that may be tuned to definite pitch; a pair are generally used in the orchestra, tuned usually to the Ist and 5th of the key. (2) The snare drum or side drum, with parchment at both ends; that at one end is crossed by several thick gut-strings that rattle when the drum is struck on the other end by the pair of drumsticks. (3) The long drum, double drum, grosse caisse, used chiefly in military music; struck on both ends.