as a side thing for my High School...I"ll do the pit...but for the past 2 years I've been the only percussionist in there which sux since there r usually many intsruments I have to play....any advise on what main instruments I should play for best sounds in the percussion area of our musical?

That depends on the needs of the particual musical... One year Ive had to play Mallets, Timpani, Chimes, Gong, Bass, Set, and lots of random 'toys'... but there was another year where I only had to play set and xylo. Find out what the score calls for, and then plan accordingly.

Doublej - Welcome to Drumlines.org. We hope you find our website educational and informative. Please read the website rules and pay special attention to Section 9 Paragraph 4 regarding thread naming.

Think of the Front ensemble music as "icing on a cake". Its purpose is to add texture to the melodic lines to complement the band. If I was in this situation, I would pick whatever instruments that DO NOT have the same melody as other instruments in the band. This will allow better harmony and contrast within the entire ensemble.

Note: Judges like harmony