What to Buy for a Percussion Workshop

A percussion workshop needs more than drums. You will need enough instruments for the group, a way to demonstrate rhythms, seating, registration supplies and a simple refreshment setup. Use this checklist to match equipment to your participant count before shopping or collecting rentals. Plan the instrument layout early, because borrowing extra djembes, cajons or practice pads can take longer than buying snacks and drinks.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Musical instruments

Snare drumsqty 10
Cajonsqty 10
Djembesqty 10
Bongosqty 6
Practice padsqty 12
Drumsticksqty 20
Malletsqty 12
Shakersqty 10
Cymbalsqty 4
Metronomesqty 4

Furniture

Chairsqty 40
Tablesqty 6
Registration desk

Equipment

Whiteboard
Whiteboard markersqty 4
Timer
Laptop
Laptop charger
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 45
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 3
Coolersqty 3
Serving traysqty 4

Decorations

Name labelsqty 40
Programsqty 40

Lighting

Table lampsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopqty 2
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Mints - 1 box
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Orange juice - 4 liters
- Apple juice - 3 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Sandwich rolls - 45 pieces
- Wholemeal rolls - 15 pieces
- Wraps - 30 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Turkey breast - 1 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 750 grams
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 25 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper cups - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 1 pack
- Tea towels - 10 pieces

Tips

Count participants before assigning instruments. Aim for one playable instrument per person, with a few spare shakers or practice pads for late arrivals and damaged equipment.
Prepare at least one demonstration setup for the instructor: a suitable drum, drumsticks or mallets, a metronome, a whiteboard with markers and a timer for timed exercises.
Set up one chair per participant and leave enough space to move arms safely. Tables are useful for registration, name labels, drinks and written workshop materials, but do not crowd the playing area.
For a two-hour workshop, allow roughly two drinks per person and one snack portion each. Bring extra cups, plates and cutlery for about 10% more people than registered.
Check power needs before the day. Count laptop chargers, coffee machines and other powered equipment, then bring extension cords and power strips that reach without crossing walkways.

Frequently asked questions

How many percussion instruments do I need for a workshop?: Plan on one instrument per participant for hands-on exercises. For 20 people, prepare 20 playable instruments and keep 2 or 3 spare shakers, practice pads or similar small instruments available.
What refreshments do I need for a two-hour percussion workshop?: Allow about two drinks per person, plus one snack portion each. For 20 participants, prepare around 40 drinks and 22 snack portions, with cups, plates and cutlery for at least 10% extra.
What equipment does a percussion instructor need?: Provide a demonstration instrument, a metronome, a whiteboard and markers, and a timer. Add a laptop and charger only if the workshop uses digital material or recorded demonstrations.
How early should I prepare the percussion workshop supplies?: Confirm instruments, the venue and catering at least 1 to 2 weeks before the workshop. Finish shopping and check the equipment 1 or 2 days before, so missing cables, cups or name labels can still be replaced.

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