FRONT ENSEMBLE

The Front Ensemble (also referred to as the "pit", due to its resemblance of the pit orchestra percussion section)

Keyboards:    The basis of the modern Front Ensemble is the keyboard. There are a variety of keyboard instruments available for corps to use, including the marimba, xylohpone, vibraphone, and orchestra bells.

Tympani:   The tympani is used to accent the melody and bring out the bass line.

Other Percussion Instruments:   There is a practically unlimited variety of additional percussion instruments that can be used in the pit to add color and timbre to the rhythm. Some are melodic, such as chimes and crotales. Some are semi-melodic, such as temple blocks, cowbells, and congas. Multicultural percussion instruments are often used to match the style of the music. Many drum corps do not march field cymbals because they believe they can achieve the same effectiveness through use of cymbals in the Front Ensemble

Front Ensemble 2007