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Hello, this is the first of a
series of pages devoted to the  of our community!
As you know there is a variety of
cultures here in Miami. Many people speak Spanish, others speak Creole language.
Check out this little dictionary called "Three
ways to say 'I like you!'"
There are a lot of different music styles too!
On this page we have some Cuban, Afro-Caribbean
and South-American percussion instruments that are very interesting and
exotic.
Read about each one and then click
on the link to hear what it sounds like! All sound samples are in .mp3 format.
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Agogo Bells
An agogô consists of two or three bells. It is played with a vaquela,
a metal stick. By hitting and deadening the sound of the bells in different
order, many different effects can be achieved.
Sounds |
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Berimbao
The berimbao is a branch warped like a bow by a snare. To strengthen the
sound produced by this instrument, a calabash is used as a sound box. Also
tapping the snare with a stick produces some nice effects. The
berimbao is especially used during the capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian
'make-belief' fight combat dance.
Sounds |
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Congas 
Also called "tumbadoras," they are barrel-shaped drums, made
from strips of hardwood. Percussionists typically perform on three congas
at a time. They tap on them with fists, nails, finger tips or sticks, both
on the side of the drum and on the skin.
Sounds |
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Tambourines
The tambourine is held in one hand and hit with the other.
Tambourines with jingles (small metal disks on the wooden frame) are
called pandeiros. During carnivals, pandeiro players also do juggling,
dancing and tricks, making a fine show!
Sounds
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Goat hoofs
A bunch of hollow goat hoofs tied on a string which make a pleasant
rattling noise.
Sounds |
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Güiro
This instrument is really a gourd which is scraped with a stick. It is
thought to originate from Congo, Africa.
Sounds |
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Maracas
A Latin American rattle always played in pairs.
Sounds |
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Rainstick
Legend has it that the Chilean Indians invented the rainstick to
"call" rainy weather. Turning the Rainstick upside down does sound like rain. Rainsticks are
made from a piece of ocotillo cactus (without the spines!) and filled with
pebbles bouncing to produce music.
Sounds |
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Shekere
A large round gourd with a beads. It is played by hitting the bottom
of the gourd with the right
palm making a low note, and almost tossing it between the two hands for
the rattling sound. Also called agbe.
Sounds |
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Claves
Two polished sticks used to play a
musical pattern, also called "clave".
Sounds |
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