The term "percussion instrument" encompasses a wide range of musical instruments that produce sound through the use of striking, shaking or scraping. Whether in a marching band, full orchestra, or small ensemble, percussion instruments are vital to creating rhythm and adding texture to music. Some common synonyms for percussion instruments include drums, cymbals, xylophones, marimbas, tambourines, castanets, and gongs. Additionally, more specific genres of percussion instruments include snare drums, bass drums, timpani, bongos, congas, and djembes. With so many diverse options, there's no shortage of percussion instruments to choose from when composing or performing music.