Bài hát: Listening Practice Through Dictation 3-12 - V.A

Unit 12 Talking Drums
B : I want to be a member of a heavy metal band. I
love heavy metal drums, James.
M: I don’t, Henry! They are too heavy, if you ask
me. I prefer a more traditional style, like African
barrel drums.
B : Barrel drums? What are those?
M: They are made with hollow logs and animal
skins. First, they cut down a tree. They cut a section
that’s about as thick and tall as a barrel. They
stretch an animal skin over the top, and tie it to
the sides with wooden pegs. These pegs can be
tightened to change the pitch.
B : Hmm... that sounds interesting.
M: In Nigeria, they have “talking” drums. They use
a hollow tree trunk that’s smaller than a barrel
drum, and leave an opening at both ends. Then
they fit an animal skin on each end. There’s a
string between each of these ends. When a player
holds the drum under an armpit and squeezes, it
tightens the string and raises the pitch.
B : Why do they call it a “talking” drum?
M: The drummers are so skillful they can make the
drums imitate human voices. They seem to cry,
laugh, and shout.
B : I’d like to hear that.
M: Why don’t you come to the community college
with me tomorrow? A troupe from Africa is giving
a concert, and they are supposed to have the
best drummers in the world.
B : Now, that sounds great!