Today, Kenneth is playing one of the coolest drums in the percussion family. Kettledrum is another name for Timpani . Today they are commonly used in orchestras and concert bands . It consists of a skin called a head stretched over a large bowl traditionally made of copper. Besides making a cool deep sound, these drums are special because they are pitched–meaning they can play different notes!
The kettledrum apparently originated in the Middle East, but its age is not known with certainty. The earliest known pictures of large, deep kettledrums date from 12th-century Mesopotamia.
Kettledrums spread with Islamic culture through Africa, Central and South Asia, and Europe. In these areas they are often associated with trumpets as symbols of royal power and status. They are usually played in pairs, with the two drums tuned to different pitches.
Now you know!
original watercolor by Pam Schoessow
pamelajeannestudio 
What a cool bunny and such great facts about the Kettledrum, Pam! I love when you share your multitude of music knowledge and sensational stories with your wonderful whimsical pictures!
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Thanks, Sandy. I know about kettledrums because I tried for years to get my school to buy some for the band. I could never convince the school board to spend the money to improve the sound of our band. It makes a big difference. But they were all non music people who didn’t get it. I was a band director trying to make to improve our band, but my hands were tied. It was very frustrating. Maybe that’s why I don’t direct band any more. At least Kenneth can play this drum!
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I remember that rich, dramatic sound that the kettledrum makes and I understand your frustration. I bet you are a really great band director!
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Your characters are so wonderful Pam. And the background… I always love your backgrounds! Love that you share your knowledge with us. I had no idea that is where it came from.
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Thanks, Sheila. I try to have fun with the backgrounds. And I learned a few things myself when I studied up on them. Mostly I just knew how to play them and how much they cost!
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