In today1s public school band the percussion section is often neglected. Some band directors consider the percussion section a place to deposit outcasts. Even though a full, accurate and well-trained percussion section adds polish to a band, few band directors admit its importance. Percussion instruments are seldom recognized as effective solo and ensemble instruments even though both solo and ensemble work can help the percussionist become an accomplished musician. In this paper, it is proposed to examine the history and development of percussion instruments and percussion music and to thus establish the importance or the percussion section in the public school band. It is further proposed to show in a report of the writer's lecture-recital how, through work with solos and ensembles, percussionists can be taught to be accurate and polished musicians .