Timpani Maintenance
You want to make sure you are keeping the timpani covered any time you are not using them. Remember that the timpani is not a table and nothing should be set on top of the drums. This damages the head very quickly.
When you are finished playing the timpani, each pedal should return to its lowest position (you should hear the fundamental pitch). This prevents too much tension on the head, which in time, with stretch the head and result in a lower fundamental pitch.
There are few things to remember when moving the timpani. First, see if the wheel locks are on. With most timpani the pedal is flush with ground. To move the timpani, you must lift the drum up so the pedal is no longer on the ground. Never grab the timpani by the the kettle hoop (rim) or the collar. This can affect this placement of the head on the drum. Instead, grab the drum by its posts.
When you are finished playing the timpani, each pedal should return to its lowest position (you should hear the fundamental pitch). This prevents too much tension on the head, which in time, with stretch the head and result in a lower fundamental pitch.
There are few things to remember when moving the timpani. First, see if the wheel locks are on. With most timpani the pedal is flush with ground. To move the timpani, you must lift the drum up so the pedal is no longer on the ground. Never grab the timpani by the the kettle hoop (rim) or the collar. This can affect this placement of the head on the drum. Instead, grab the drum by its posts.