Idiophones Wrap-up

Review the main qualities of idiophones:

• Idiophones are instruments that make sound by vibrating without using strings or a membrane.
• Instruments in this category also fall into the category of percussion instruments that are shaken or scraped, such as the guiro, claves, and maracas. 
• Idiophones are sometimes known as “color” percussion instruments because of the way they can add unique sounds to an ensemble. 
• Many instruments from around the world fall into this category, and are similar to instruments you might find in an orchestra.  One example is the balafon, which is similar to the xylophone or marimba.