The snare drum is one of the most important percussion instruments. Its hallmark is a set of metal snares (springs) stretched across the lower head: when the upper head is struck, these snares vibrate, giving the sound its characteristic dry, crackling, “rustling” timbre.
The snare drum traces its lineage to military drums, and so it is still the basis of marching music and the “heart” of the rhythm. In the symphony orchestra it adds brilliance, tension, and a martial quality (the famous continuous solo in Ravel's Boléro). Within the drum kit the snare is the main accent instrument, setting the groove in jazz, rock, and pop. Its playing technique is highly developed — from the fine roll to complex rudiments; it is a true “school” for any drummer.
