Talking Drums

B : I want to be a member of a heavy metal band. I love heavy metal drums, James. M: I don’t, Henry! They are too heavy, if you ask me. I prefer a more traditional style, like African barrel drums. B : Barrel drums? What are those? M: They are made with hollow logs and animal skins. First, they cut down a tree. They cut a section that’s about as thick and tall as a barrel. They stretch an animal skin over the top, and tie it to the sides with wooden pegs. These pegs can be tightened to change the pitch. B : Hmm… that sounds interesting. M: In Nigeria, they have “talking” drums. They use a hollow tree trunk that’s smaller than a barrel drum, and leave an opening at both ends. Then they fit an animal skin on each end. There’s a string between each of these ends. When a player holds the drum under an armpit and squeezes, it tightens the string and raises the pitch. B : Why do they call it a “talking” drum? M: The drummers are so skillful they can make the drums imitate human voices. They seem to cry, laugh, and shout. B : I’d like to hear that. M: Why don’t you come to the community college with me tomorrow? A troupe from Africa is giving a concert, and they are supposed to have the best drummers in the world. B : Now, that sounds great!