I apologize in advance if this is a stupid question. My daughter recently auditioned on drums for a public Arts Middle School. She's only been playing for about a year but she really enjoys it and according to her teacher has good rthym (I bet he says that to all his students!). Anyway, she's been playing piano for 6 years. She auditioned on a snare but the audition is really for Percussions in general. They seemed interested in the fact that she plays piano and sings also and I'm not understanding the connection. Can anyone explain this to me?

A piano playing percussionist !!!! She will be loved. Snare is the most common test to see if they know basic drum rudiments. The advantage your daughter will have because of piano is she will be able to play the 'bar' instruments (xylophone, marimba, chimes, celeste, etc). And because she sings she will be able to tune the tympanies quietly and accurately. Many young percussionist do not understand intervals and cannot read pitches in music.

Thank you John! I guess we'll have to sit back and wait now.

I hit the inside of the piano with my sticks and mallets...but that's just me :P Also, people get mad at me for that a lot, prudes.