The Percussion Section of the Orchestra
On this page you will be able to explore the instruments of the Percussion Section of a symphony orchestra. I hope you enjoy this presentation of the instruments using YouTube. I chose this method so that all viewers can enjoy learning about the instruments. I chose to use principal players of orchestras teach how to play excerpts of actual orchestral pieces so that all viewers can appreciate learning.
All videos are credited by their links to the YouTube channel.
Experience the Percussion Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble with 3 Marimbas, Slide Whistle, Timpani, Xylophone, Orchestra Bells, and more
Members of The Vienna Philharmonic perform a transcription of the “Perpertuum Mobile” Polka by Johann Strauss during the performance break of the 2025 New Years Concert. The broadcast used a traveler in space receiving the music from space. Clever.
Experience the Individual Instruments
The Timpani
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Principal Timpani David Herbert performs the opening passage of Mozart’s Symphony No. 3
The Vibraphone
Chicao Symphony Orchestra Principal Percussion Cynthia Yeh demonstrates how a vibraphone can evoke the drama of Leonard Bernstein’s epic score from West Side Story
The Cymbal, Bass Drum, Triangle, Tambourine, Snare Drum, and Timpani
The Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra percussion section rehearse Scheherezade by Rimsky-Korsakov.