Writing percussion parts

I use Finale software and I need some help on how to write general percussion parts. I am going to write a piece for concert band and I want to add some different "spices" such as the triangle, cymbal, bell tree, etc... Now, I can create a general Percussion part, but how many lines do I need for what instrument? Or can I just write it out in any note form and put the name of whatever instrument underneath each part? I've noticed that the general percussion part you will type all the different instruments at the beginning and then appreviate them throughout that part.

I'm trying to explain this the best I can. You see, I'm a wind player and pianist. I'm slowing learning on how to write percussion parts. I've learned how to do individual timpani, snare drum, and bass drums parts. But I need some help on the general percussion part.

Thanks! :)

Generally, the higher pitched percussion insterments are written higher on the staff. Each part is labeled for what insterment it is.

Hello, I have always wondered about percussion(amazing stuff)just so weird to figure out at first!

Here is a site by a new young composer that went to the infamous Julliard!! His name is John Mackey, go to his site and find his chamber work called mass. He has a recording and a score of it on Acrobat. He also has a key of the percussion instruments.

http://ostimusic.com/

That's cool. I will check that out. Of course, Finale is so hard to use to write percussion

parts on.

What you could do also is have a staff for each percussion instrument and then when printing out parts, just print out the whole percussion section. It makes it easier for those playing the instruments in question!

And if you're worried about your score becoming clogged up with stuff, click on the little treble clef sign up the top and drag the percussion staves closer together.