Concert Snare Drum Basics

Types of Concert Snare Drums

• Typical Concert Snare Drum

  • Depth: 5-6 inches
  • Characteristic sound due to its depth

• Field Drum

  • Much deeper than a standard concert snare
  • Lower, more resonant sound
  • Often used to emulate military music in a concert band setting
  • Not suitable as a substitute for a contemporary marching snare drum
  • Specifically designed for concert band or orchestra music

• Piccolo Snare Drum

  • Very shallow shell
  • High, pingy sound
  • Rarely suitable for concert snare drum situations; only in specialized circumstances

Components of a Concert Snare Drum

• Batter Head (top)

  • The playing surface
  • Should be designed specifically for concert snare drums
  • Features: Open, resonant sound; no reinforcing dots or muffling
  • Not interchangeable with heads designed for marching band use

• Snares (underneath)

  • Types: Wire, cable, coated cable
  • Variations affect sound characteristics

• Snare Side Head

  • Thin and resonant
  • Allows snares to vibrate, creating the characteristic snare drum sound
  • Must be specifically designed for the snare side

Selecting a Snare Drum

• Consider the endless varieties of snare drums available
  • Materials: Wood shell, metal shell, etc.
  • Sizes and depths vary
• Key Point: Use your ears to listen to the sound you're creating and ensure it fits the music you're playing.