Percussion Musical Instruments for Kids Coloring Pages

Chimes Coloring Page

Chimes are typically crafted from metal tubes that hang vertically and are struck with mallets to produce a resonant, bell-like tone. Each chime is carefully tuned to create a specific pitch, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the other instruments in the orchestra. When the conductor brings them into play, their ethereal sound can transport listeners to another realm, enhancing the emotional impact of the performance.

You often hear chimes in classical compositions or film scores, accentuating moments of tension, celebration, or reflection. They can evoke feelings of wonder and awe, adding to the overall atmosphere of the music.

Cymbals Coloring Page

Cymbals are an essential part of the orchestral palette, adding a vibrant splash of sound that can elevate a piece of music to new heights. Typically made from a combination of copper and tin, cymbals can vary widely in size, shape, and sound quality. They come in several types, including crash, ride, and symphonic cymbals, each serving its own unique purpose in orchestral settings.

Crash cymbals, known for their sharp, explosive sound, are often used to punctuate moments of excitement or drama. Think of those thrilling climaxes in movie scores or the dramatic crescendos in classical symphonies—you’ll often hear those iconic crashes that make your heart race!

Gong Coloring Page

Gongs are a type of percussion instrument that originated in Southeast Asia, and they have made their way into Western orchestral music, adding a unique dimension to soundscapes. Typically made of bronze, gongs produce a rich, resonant tone that can evoke a wide range of emotions, from deep tranquility to intense drama. Their shimmering, lingering sound provides an ethereal quality that can beautifully complement other orchestral instruments.

In an orchestra, gongs are often used during climactic moments to signal a dramatic shift in the music. You might hear them during grand symphonic works or cinematic scores, where they help to heighten tension or accentuate important themes. Composers may call for different playing techniques, such as striking the gong with a mallet or using beats of varying intensity, to achieve different sounds and effects.

Marimba Coloring Page

The marimba is a percussion instrument that features wooden bars tuned to different pitches, which are struck with mallets to produce melodic sounds. Unlike its cousin, the xylophone, the marimba has a deeper tone and a warm, resonant quality that is enriched by the hollow tubes or resonators beneath each bar.

In an orchestra, the marimba can serve various purposes. It often provides colorful textures and harmonies that complement the strings and brass while adding a rhythmic foundation similar to that of traditional percussion instruments. Composers utilize the marimba for its versatility, whether to evoke a tropical atmosphere in a piece or to introduce a playful element within a symphonic work.

Tambourine Coloring Page

The tambourine is classified as a percussion instrument. It’s typically made up of a circular frame, often crafted from wood or plastic, which is paired with pairs of metal jingles known as zils. When shaken or struck with the hand, the tambourine produces a bright, lively sound that can add a unique texture to the music being played.

In an orchestral setting, the tambourine often plays a vital role in enhancing the rhythm and providing accentuation. Its sound can range from a subtle shimmer to a robust, vibrant pulse, depending on how it’s played. Conductors might call upon the tambourine during various sections of a piece to create accents or to highlight specific musical phrases.

Temple Blocks Coloring Page

Temple blocks are a percussion instrument that originated from East Asia, often associated with traditional Chinese music. They are made from finely crafted hardwood and are designed to produce distinct, resonant tones. Arranged in a set and typically mounted on a frame, these blocks offer a range of pitches, each struck with a mallet to create sharp, melodic sounds.

In an orchestra, temple blocks play a vital role in enhancing the overall texture of the music. Their bright, clear tones can provide a rhythmic foundation or punctuate key moments in a composition, adding excitement and depth. You’ll often find them in orchestral pieces, from classical symphonies to contemporary film scores, where their unique sound can really shine.

Timpani Coloring Page

Timpani, also known as kettle drums, are large, tunable drums that play a significant role in orchestral compositions. Typically, they come in sets of two to four drums, each tuned to a specific pitch which allows them to blend harmoniously with the rest of the orchestra. Unlike many other percussion instruments that produce indefinite pitches, the timpani can produce definite pitches, which makes them an integral part of the harmonic structure of the music.

These remarkable instruments are made of a copper or fiberglass bowl and are topped with a drumhead, traditionally made of calfskin but increasingly made from synthetic materials for consistency and durability. Musicians use mallets, often made of rubber, felt, or wood, to strike the drumheads, producing a wide range of tones that can be soft and lyrical or loud and thunderous.

In an orchestral setting, timpani are often responsible for creating dramatic moments. Whether it’s punctuating a climactic passage or providing a rhythmic foundation, their powerful sound commands attention. Composers throughout history have recognized this and have written poignant parts specifically for the timpani to enrich the overall sound of the orchestra.

Triangle Coloring Page

The triangle is a percussion instrument that’s been part of orchestras for centuries. Usually made of metal, it’s shaped like a triangle (hence the name!) and produces a distinct sound characterized by its shimmering, bell-like quality. When struck with a small metal beater, it creates a short, bright tone that can cut through the thick layers of orchestral sound, adding a sparkle to the music.

In orchestral compositions, the triangle often serves both a rhythmic and melodic function. While you might find it quietly accentuating a piece’s dynamics or cadence, it can also stand out prominently during climactic moments, bringing a touch of elegance and whimsy. Composers like Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Stravinsky have made brilliant use of the triangle, knowing how to incorporate it in a way that enriches the overall texture of their music.