Drums have been used for centuries as a way to express emotion and create music, with a wide variety of applications ranging from religious ceremonies to entertainment. In this article, we'll explore the history of drums and examine different types and how they are used in today's world.
Drums have a long and varied history, with evidence of drums as early as 5500 BC, existing in many different cultures across the world. Drums were used for a variety of ceremonial and leisure activities, including spiritual rituals and music. In some cultures, drums are thought to represent the heartbeat of Mother Earth, or the rhythm of life itself, and have been used to call people to gatherings or provide the soundscape for a storyteller.
Throughout the centuries, drums have been used in military, religious and social contexts. Military drums were used to keep soldiers marching in step and to send signals in battle. In many religions, drums were used to create an atmosphere of reverence and contemplation, while in social contexts they were often used to celebrate special events like weddings, births and victories.
Drums also played an important role in the development of music and the rise of modern popular culture. The invention of the drum set enabled the simultaneous use of multiple drums, leading to an increased complexity in musical expression. Variations on traditional drum designs were also used to create new sounds and rhythms, leading to the wide variety of percussion instruments we see today.
Drums come in many different varieties to suit the needs of various musical genres and playing styles. Generally, drums can be classified into two major categories: acoustics and electronic.
The acoustic drum is the original and most commonly used type of drum. It consists of a shell made of wood or metal, covered with a membrane or heads made of animal hides or synthetic materials. The sound created by an acoustic drum is dependent on the size, shape, and construction of the shell, as well as the type of membrane. Commonly used materials for acoustic drums include maple, poplar, mahogany, and birch.
Electronic drums are a modern version of the traditional acoustic drums, and are becoming more popular due to their versatility and ease of use. Electronic drums feature pads that produce sound when triggered by a mallet or stick. Each pad contains its own sounds, which can be changed and customized as desired. Electronic drums also typically contain built-in samples and effects, allowing the player to create unique sounds and beats.
Drums have long been used in a variety of contexts, from religious ceremonies and military marches to entertainment venues like concerts and festivals. In traditional settings, they can be used to keep a rhythm during dances, or to punctuate a spoken dialogue. At large events, they may be used to set a tone or create an atmosphere of excitement. They are also commonly used as a form of accompaniment to other instruments, such as for plays, operas and ballets.
In contemporary music, drums can be used to underscore a variety of genres from rock to hip-hop and beyond. Their presence is almost essential for any band to create its own unique sound. Drummers are often seen as the backbone of a group, providing the rhythm that ties each song together and adds life to a performance.
In addition to their use in traditional settings and for music, drums are also utilised in various forms of theatre and performance art. They have been used in a range of plays to indicate different moods, as well as in circus performances and in ancient rituals. They are even used in some forms of therapy, as a means of helping people to express themselves and work through repressed emotions.