Brazil (South America)
Pandeiro

Pronounced ("pon-day-row"), is a Brazilian-style "tambourine" which is a medium-sized round, wooden frame drum stretched with goat or calfskin on one side. The "pandeiro" is played with two hands. One hand holds and oscillates the drum allowing the inset cymbals to produce a rhythm while the other hand strikes the drum using fingers, thumb, and the base of the palm. Frame drums such as this pandeiro or similarly-styled tambourines, are probably one of the most popular and universal membranophones (anything covered with skin or similar material that vibrates and produces sound), found all over the world. This instrument is traditionally used in the "carnival" and the "capoeira" music traditions of Brazil.

The WORLD BEATS video features live, costumed performances of ancient, ethnic, percussive traditions. Aaron Plunkett puts it all together in this fascinating 33 minute program. SEE MORE...