The Parai is a single head circular frame drum. The body is made of four thick pieces of wood, glued and tacked together with metal plates inside the body. The single cowhide head is stretched over the opening and wrapped completely around its rounded edge, somewhat resembling a wheel of cheese. The head is glued on; the means by which it was stretched are not retained in the final construction. A loop of stout red nylon rope is attached through holes in the drum shell. This is the shoulder strap, for holding the instrument on the left shoulder, high on the chest. It is played with two beaters, one of wood, the other, thinner and longer, of bamboo.
This class will be conducted during summer.