Drum Ensembles For Haman - Fit or Misfit?

A number of years ago someone related to me that the minyan in New York where he heard the megilla on Purim had someone there with a drum set, who would bang away on it when Haman's name was read, which bothered him. He didn't feel that it was fitting. To me it seemed bizarre. I didn't recall encountering such a thing myself. Maybe I had previously seen someone with like a small portable single bongo drum or similar (even that I don't know). But a professional drum ensemble? To me it seemed like there was maybe some crazy guy there who brought it in and the Rav didn't want to fight with him, so he tolerated it once (or twice) a year.

Then, subsequently I saw a video clip online of Purim at a congregation in Russia, which showed the same thing (also here as part of a larger report).  And, all the more so, there it seemed to be formally ensconced, up on stage as an officially sanctioned, sponsored part of the proceedings, not just something a private individual brought in of his own accord.

I thought that it might be beneficial to articulate what makes me uncomfortable about the idea of such a thing at the Megilla reading.

a) Such ensembles typically are associated with, and accompany instrumental music nowadays, as opposed to acting alone with a negating connotation of a type of stamping out (as in stamping out Haman harosho), or sounds of derision. They can be seen as highlighting Haman, even somewhat celebratory perhaps, rather than putting him down. As an interesting side point, in the Torah itself drums are mentioned at Kriyas Yam Suf (where Miriam took a drum with other women following after her, and they danced and sang praise to Hashem), in a positive context, accompanying shira (song).

b) What was lacking with other ways of reacting to Haman's name employed in the past (e.g. stamping feet on floor, grager), that this new practice was innovated?

c) To specifically bring in someone with advanced equipment as a noisemaker seems strange, as if that custom is followed, it should by done by attendees in general, as opposed to by a (hired?) designated professional, who might make amateurs trying to do so feel superfluous.

It is true, that there is an expression in English about drumming someone out, but that is a different type of drumming.

Agree? Disagree?

A Freilichen Purim.


P.S. While you are here, you may enjoy the following past Purim related posts as well -

Davening on Taanis Esther or Purim - Which is more mesugal, which the more auspicious time?

Will Purim Be The Only Yom Tov Left Standing After Moshiach Comes? Let's Take a Closer Look

The Missing Havdalah of Purim