Drums, marimbas, wood blocks and jingle bells! Who doesn’t love the percussion family? Chances are one of the first instruments you ever played was a member of the percussion family. Who remembers the sand paper blocks from elementary music class? Percussion family. Rhythm sticks? Percussion family. If you can shake, scrape or tap it, it is a member of the percussion family.

One of our recent selections is about world famous percussionist, Dame Evelyn Glennie. Released in April of 2022, Listen by Shannon Stoker, tells the story of Glennie’s courageous path to becoming the first professional percussionist. Oh…and Dame Evelyn? She happens to be deaf.

For the Grown-Ups!

Women Drummers: A History from Rock and Jazz to Blues and Country by Angela Smith

Inspired by the trailblazing jazz drummer Viola Smith, Angela Smith celebrates the women who’ve defied convention and disapproval to prove that drumming is not just a man’s game. In addition to a historical perspective on women and sacred drumming, the book features interviews with more than fifty drummers from jazz players like Allison Miller, through rockabilly queen Liza Pankratz, to rockers like The Bangles’ Debbi Peterson and Vixen’s Roxy Petrucci.

Music Library hopes you’ll look for these titles at your local independent bookstore or public library!

Don’t forget to visit the
Digital Resources Page!

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For more fun related to percussion including videos, printables and fun facts, visit the Music Library Resources Page!