blowing) to announce the opening of ceremonies of grandeur. Wind Section - The wind section is dominant by a wind instrument, something akin to the clarinet. This instrument is not normally used for the dances mainly because the Sinhalese dance is not set to music as the western world knows it. Rather, the primary sense of rhythm, and patterns of man in motion, is the music that is beaten out by the drummer. Flutes - The flutes made of metals such as silver and brass produce shrill music to accompany Kandyan Dances, while the plaintive strains of music of the reed flute may pierce the air in devil-dancing. Endemic Instruments Béra According to the historical record available today, it is believed that several instruments originated within the tribal groups that once inhabited the island presently known as Sri Lanka. Among these, seven remain in use: – Also referred to as the Kandyan drum or wedding drum; it is a double-headed, barrel-shaped drum, that is played by hand. It is approximately in length, in diameter (at its widest point), with diameter drumheads. Thammátama – A twin-drum (similar to the bongo) that is played with two sticks instead of by hand. Yak Béra – Also referred to as the Low Country drum or Demon drum; it is a double-headed, barrel-shaped drum, that is played by both hands (one in one side). Udákkiya – A small, hour-glass shaped drum, that is played with one hand while the other hand modifies the tension of a cloth wrapped around its centre (thereby changing the pitch of the drum-head). Hand Răbāna – A drum similar to the tambourine (except in that it does not possess metal jingles) Daŭla or Dawla – A double-headed, barrel-shaped drum played by hand (on one side), and by a stick (on the opposite side). Bench Răbāna – Similar to the hand rabana, except larger (it is often played by three to eight individuals simultaneously). In addition to these drums, a new drum was recently created (in 2000) by Sri Lankan musician Kalasoori Piyasāra Shilpadhipathi, referred to as the Gaŭla – it is a barrel-shaped instrument containing one head from the Gáta Béra, and one from the Daŭla. A set of rudiments (practice rhythms) were also created by him to accommodate the instrument's unique tone. Also in addition to these drums, the dhōlki is also used by many musicians – though this