What does the American Band Association recommend for the number of percussionists in a concert band?

The American Band Association recommends having 3 or 4 percussionists in a concert band to achieve a well-rounded sound and provide the necessary support for the ensemble. This recommendation allows for a variety of percussion instruments to be utilized, catering to the diverse needs of the repertoire typically performed by a concert band. With this number of percussionists, it is possible to cover different sections effectively, allowing for both rhythmic foundation and textural contributions that enhance the overall performance.

Having 3 or 4 percussionists enables flexibility and depth in the percussion section, allowing players to specialize in various instruments such as snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, timpani, and auxiliary percussion. This also ensures that the percussion section can effectively participate in different musical nuances, dynamics, and styles throughout the concert band literature.

Choosing 1 or 2 percussionists could limit this versatility and compromise the richness of the sound, while 5 or 6 may be excessive for the standard concert band setup unless the repertoire specifically demands it. Therefore, the recommendation of 3 or 4 percussionists strikes a balance between providing adequate musical support and maintaining an efficient and manageable group size within the concert band context.