The Bass Drum is the biggest of the drums used in the orchestra. It's a round cylinder with skin stretched over both openings. Like the triangle, it is not tuned to a specific pitch. But its tone is very low and deep. It can sound loud and thundering, and sometimes quiet and almost invisible.

Composer: Verdi Piece: Requiem Orchestra: New Philharmonia Orchestra Conductor: Barbirolli

	The Bass Drum is used in both orchestras and bands. The drum is played upright, with the drum heads on the sides. In an orchestra, it is placed on a stand. In a marching band, it hangs from a harness that the player wears while marching. It is usually played with a soft beater.