One of the sections of the
orchestra.
Led by a
principal percussionist, who is a usually a
mallet player or a
tympanist, but can also be expert in the
membranophones. The Principal is the boss and gets the choice of instrument when the
librarian delivers the parts.
The Percussion Section consists of three to five (sometimes more) people and is supported on tour by a large
truck.
The Percussion Section often go drinking with the
Brass Section, and laugh at the
Babycham-drinking
Woodwind and String sections.
Everyone knows, in their heart of hearts, that the other sections exist merely to support the Percussion.
Percussionists tend to have strong wrists and biceps (from too many
paradiddle exercies, and lugging all that heavy artillery around).
Most percussionists join the section because, damnit, they want to be
heard.