History of the Snare Drum

Citations

100

Here are the links to my sources:
http://everythingpercussion.weebly.com/history-of-the-snare-drum.html
http://www.drummuffler.com/history-of-the-snare-drum.php

The Tabor

Jan 1, 1300

The snare drum is one of the oldest instruments, and was first developed in Medieval Europe in approximately 1300. The Tabor only had one snare and was double sided. This was usually made of animal hides. The snare drum usually rattled when struck due to the lack of a tightener on the snares.

The Field Drum

Jan 1, 1400

The Field Drum was developed and innovated in the 1400's and 1500's. The tabor was becoming more popular and some countries were even using these drums for military purposes. And then the field drum came into existence. This drum was significantly larger than the Tabor and was carried on a shoulder strap. Around 1500, the English was using Field Drums, but were referred to as dromes.

Modern Snares

Jan 1, 1600

Even with the invention of the Field Drum, the drums still rattled. In the 1600's, snares were changed forever with the addition of screws holding down the snares to create a bolder and more powerful sound.

Smaller Brass Drums

Jan 1, 1800

In time, the snare drum had another big innovation. The drum was made smaller and was now made of brass. The extra tension that the smaller, brass drum allowed for, also innovated playing styles. More complicated rhythyms were being introduced, and militaries all around were using snare drums. This was the time when snare drums were being appreciated musically and was being added to symphonies and orchestras all around the world.

Snare Drums Replace Tenors

Jan 1, 1850

In the middle of the 19th century, snare drums revolutionized militaries. The classic tenor drum was replaced completely by the snare. This had more of a crisp sound that was very powerful.

Snare Drums in Drum and Bugle Corps

Jan 1, 1900

In the 20th century, the snare drum became more and more popular with the help of marching bands and bugle corps all around the world. Drum lines became favorites of many. In addition, around this time, Metal counter-hoops were added to make tightening more efficient. Better sounds could be acheived much more easily with this peice of drumming technology. Coiled wiring now became the normal thing to have on your snares.

Snare Drum is Added to the Trap Kit

Jan 1, 1930

Snare drums have come a long way at this point in time, but music is about to change. In the early 1900's, snare drums were added to trap kits. Music just got it's rhythym. Rock and Roll took off with this concept and turned the trap kit into a music making machine. The people loved it. Along with the snare drum, the trap kit was used to wow audiences with ridiculous drum solos. Players like Buddy Rich and even Led Zeppelin's drummer John Bonham have dominated on the trap kit.

Modernized Snare Drum

Jan 1, 2000

The snare drum had gotten so popular to the point where there are numerous companies who make drums and have their certain twist on the snare drum's features. Snare drum companies like Yamaha have revolutionized not only snare drums, but drum corps all around the United States. DCI (Drum Corp International) wouldn't be the same without the amazing musicians on their even more amazing instruments. Snare drums have become a part of every band's culture. Even secondary schools use these.

Thanks for Your Attention!

Oct 5, 2015

Thank You for opening your minds to the world of percussion. I really enjoyed learning more about the snare drum myself and I hope you enjoyed it too.