Side Drum
While the side (snare) drum had been used by European and American infantry units for hundreds of years, following the American Civil War it fell out of use. It was still used in the military for ceremonial purposes (as it is today). However, as a smaller snare drum, the instrument was increasingly used alongside the bass drum and cymbal in brass bands and orchestras. By the turn of the twentieth century, the smaller higher-pitched and more articulate snare drums had also made their way into theater pits and the newly developing trap sets.
In Prussia, very small side drums that could play very high and articulate and that had very shallow depths were favored, as they could be easily worn while for a goose-stepping army. In other areas, the so-called "Prussian model" side drum, typically with a shallow shell and rod tensioners, was adopted for use in bands, orchestras, and theater pits. The dimensions of such instruments and the metal tension rod systems would become the norm by the second and third decaode of the twentieth century for all snare drums used in contexts outside of ceremonies and parades.
Technical description: "Prussian model" snare drum. Nickel-plated brass shell, folded seam soldered internally. Single, rod tension with ten nickel-plated square top bolts, double claw hooks clasping each rim. Wood rims decorated with decal of geometric figures that circles the drum. Shell shaped snare strainer (adjuster), mounted vertically, parallel to the shell. Opposite the strainer, the snares are held in place by a leather strap. Ten gut snares. Calfskin heads. Metal hoop attached to the batter head rim, to which a sling attaches for carrying the drum.
In Prussia, very small side drums that could play very high and articulate and that had very shallow depths were favored, as they could be easily worn while for a goose-stepping army. In other areas, the so-called "Prussian model" side drum, typically with a shallow shell and rod tensioners, was adopted for use in bands, orchestras, and theater pits. The dimensions of such instruments and the metal tension rod systems would become the norm by the second and third decaode of the twentieth century for all snare drums used in contexts outside of ceremonies and parades.
Technical description: "Prussian model" snare drum. Nickel-plated brass shell, folded seam soldered internally. Single, rod tension with ten nickel-plated square top bolts, double claw hooks clasping each rim. Wood rims decorated with decal of geometric figures that circles the drum. Shell shaped snare strainer (adjuster), mounted vertically, parallel to the shell. Opposite the strainer, the snares are held in place by a leather strap. Ten gut snares. Calfskin heads. Metal hoop attached to the batter head rim, to which a sling attaches for carrying the drum.
Artwork Details
- Title: Side Drum
- Date: ca. 1900–1915
- Geography: United States
- Culture: American
- Medium: Wood, metal, skin
- Dimensions: Overall: 15 x 41.2cm (5 7/8 x 16 1/4in.)
- Classification: Membranophone-double-headed / cylindrical drum
- Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
- Object Number: 89.4.3139
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
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