Trống cơm

A trống cơm, literally "rice drum", is a kind of traditional bongo-shaped Vietnamese drum. It is used in the hát bội orchestra. Hát chèo also uses the drum in its repertoire.^[1][2]

Trống cơm is a long cylindrical drum with percussional surfaces at both ends. When stationary, it is placed transverse in front of the performer who would strike at the two ends with his hands. Drumsticks are also used. Trống cơm can be played by an ambulant performer when it is worn with a sash and slung over the shoulders, leaving the drum transverse in front of the abdomen.^[3]

The drum earns its name "rice" as a layer of cooked rice is smeared on the surface to "tune" it. The two surfaces are set five notes apart.^[3]

References

1. ↑ Lộc Nguyêñ, Văn Tường Võ Nghệ thuật Hát bội Việt Nam 1994 "In the Hat Boi Orchestra a small drum with a handle, the trống cơm, has the leading role. ... The trống cơm with its low-pitched, dull sound is particularly suitable for providing rhythm to hát nam songs."
2. ↑ Giao Su TRAN VAN KHE - TRỐNG VIỆT NAM 28 Tháng 2 2012 – Trống cơm là nhạc cụ quan trọng trong Nhạc Lễ và Hát Bội. Còn trong Hát Chèo thì trống cơm chỉ đóng vai trò đánh luồn vào đàn chớ không ..."
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Trong com"