Front ensemble
In a marching band or drum corps, the front ensemble or pit is the stationary percussion ensemble typically placed in front of the football field. Originally, the front ensemble consisted of keyboard percussion and timpani, the marching versions of which are heavy and awkward. Groups began adding more and more traditional percussion instruments to the pit, and in its modern form, the ensemble may contain any type of percussion instrument from cymbals to Afro-Cuban percussion such as congas to world percussion such as djembes. Some marching band circuits also allow non-standard instruments (such as the violin) or electronic instruments (such as synthesizers and electric guitars) in the pit. However, this is extremely controversial and divisive within the drum corps community.
In a stage musical, the accompanying orchestra sits in the orchestra pit. It is from this type of front ensemble that the term "pit" became used for a marching band/drum corps front ensemble.
See also: Marching percussion