Ideas for making an Auxiliary Percussion Kit

A number of years ago I dreamed about making an Auxiliary Percussion Kit. By that I mean a set up where the percussionist sits in the middle and is surrounded by auxiliary percussion in a similar way a drummer is surrounded by their kit.

But, I have an important point.

The aux percussion kit isn’t there to replace a drum kit but in fact compliment the drum kit.

However, I had no immediate need for one so it was left as a “nice idea”.

On this page I’ve decided to explore that ‘nice idea’ a little deeper.

Auxiliary percussion rack

From my research I’ve found that marching bands call it an auxiliary percussion rack because the instruments are mounted on a wheeled rack.

I’m saving this here as it’s good to keep the rack in mind. However, I’m not sure it’s quite the kind of thing I’m looking for.

What is the role of an auxiliary percussionist

Let’s fist start by asking why a percussionist exists in a band or ensemble.

I want to expand this section further, but for now I’ll settle for this:

The role of a percussionist is to support the band by providing moments of interest through the music. They are the cherry on top.

Cajon as a drum kit

Lots of folk have fallen in love with the Cajon, using it instead of a kit to give an alternative ‘live lounge’ vibe. I’ve seen lots of drummers pick up the Cajon because it has familiar sounds, as opposed to learning percussion instruments they’re unfamiliar with.

When playing in an acoustic setting the Cajon can be a good option, because you won’t as easily overpower your fellow musicians.

This is quite a cool video by Mona Tavkoli