Drums are the metronome of the band, always keeping the steady beat.  The percussion family includes a wide variety of instruments.  Some percussion instruments are pitched (keyboard percussion and timpani) and others are non-pitched (snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, accessory instruments).  Percussion instruments make sound by stiking, scraping or shaking.  Usually sticks or mallets are used to strike the instrument, however sometimes players use their hands (congas, bongos).