The term marimba is a percussion instrument that is similar to a XYLOPHONE. It is made up of wooden bars that are struck with mallets to produce sound. The bars are arranged in a rectangular frame and the instrument is usually played by two or more people. Marimbas have been used in many different musical genres, from classical to jazz. The term XYLOPHONE is also a percussion instrument, but it is made up of metal bars instead of wooden ones. Xylophones are typically played with two mallets and are often used in orchestral music.