How Do You Read Drumline Music?
Drumline music sheets, or percussion charts, are musical arrangements for drums and other percussion instruments, typically notated for marching band. Drums, like other instruments, are notated rhythmically, but since they don’t play melody, the notes are arranged on a specific line on the music staff according to the type of drum. Familiarize yourself with the standard music staff. A music staff consists of five lines and four spaces. This is where you will notate drumline parts according to the type of drum. Learn the various types of drums. There are snares, bass, and tom-toms. In addition, you will need to recognize cymbals and hi-hats. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the sound these percussion instruments make. Consider the order of the instruments from highest to lowest. This will typically be the way the drums are notated on the staff, starting at the first space above the highest line. This space is where the hi-hat is placed. Remember that drumline music will hav
