What is a marimba?

Answer 1

it is used as a musical instrument from the percussion family. Today, marimbas are seen in professional symphonies, playing a wide variety of classical and contemporary music. Most concert bands also use marimbas to fullfill a wide variety of sound effects and tone colorings. marimbas are also a staple instrument in the marching band's indoor or outdoor front ensemble. Their wide range of dynamics and secial effects as well as their ability to carry both melody and harmony lines make the marimba an valuable intrument for groups who aim at putting on a good show. Another major way the marimba is used today is by solo performances. This is the realm in which the marimba is best appreciated among the musically trained. (Will Smith)

Answer 2

A marimba is similar to any other mallet percussion instrument (xylophone, vibraphone, glockenspiel) in the regard that the musician strikes the bar of the instrument with a specific mallet to produce a sound. Of course, the type of mallet generally differs between each mallet instrument. Mallets acceptable for use on a glockenspiel (brass, hard metal, hard plastic) can cause severe damage to the wooden/synthetic bars of a marimba. Therefore, marimba players usually use yarn, latex, or rubber mallets.

Something that often surprises non-percussionists when seeing a marimba played for the first time is the fact that the marimba is commonly played with four mallet (two in each hand). A variety of techniques exist (Stevens, Burton, Traditional) so that the percussionist may play four note chords or isolate each individual mallet to play single-note runs.

In an attempt to be different, many modern composers are finding new ways to play the marimba. Many of these methods involve striking the bars with the shaft of the mallet or even playing the notes with the fingers and hands. The possibilities are endless, however it is still standard to play a marimba with two or four mallets!

Answer 3

A marimba is a percussion instrument, much like a wooden xylophone. "Marimbas" would be the plural of "marimba". Marimbas would be used in pieces of music that called for a marimba duet, or possibly a large percussion ensemble where parts would need to be doubled up.

Answer 4

A Marimba is a musical instrument in the percussion family. Keys or bars (usually made of wood) are struck with mallets to produce musical tones.

Answer 5

A xylo-marimba is an alternative name for the xylorimba, a percussion instrument like a xylophone but with an extended range.

Answer 6

No, but it's a percussion instrument.