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TIMPANI are sometimes called 'kettle drums' due to the bodies being made of shiny copper which makes them look a little like large cooking pots. Each drum has a covering, or head, that is stretched very tight. By either tightening or loosening the head, the drum can be tuned higher or lower, respectively, to play in the same key as the other instruments of the orchestra. This is done by foot pedals.

Timpani originated in India and came to Europe around 1300. Crusaders came across them being played by Turks in the Holy Land where they were played on horseback to encourage the soldiers. European kings and nobles would thereafter have them at court where they played fanfares along with brass players, providing the tonic, bass notes of each chord.

Digital downloads of each pattern purchased consist of seven pages (8.5 x 11 inches), including four pages which when trimmed and taped together make the full-size (15 inches square) pattern master for doing the applique or embroidery method of your choosing. The download is in Adobe PDF format and you will need the free Adobe Reader software to print the pages.