Drum and Lyre

   A Drum and Lyre Corps is a marching ensemble consisting of strictly percussion instruments and a color guard section. The Drum and Lyre corps originated in the Philippines, as it is easier to finance than brass bands or a drum and bugle corps. The instrumentation of a drum and lyre corps consists of a typical marching band (snare, tenor, and bass drums, and cymbals) with the bell lyre section. 
   A standard Drum and Lyre Corps has 4-48 members. There must be only one leader in a group. This leader serves as the conductor. He/She leads the band in parade and exhibitions. He uses a conductor stick and must be shown with respect by the band.
   The Lyre section make up the majority of the band. They play the melodic part of the band. A member of the band that consist this section is called a lyrist. In bigger bands, the band may add a bass lyre, a bell lyre with a lower range of keys and sometimes a grand lyre, a bell lyre with a wide range of keys.