I guess I was wrong.
Whenever I hear someone mention the timpani, I was always picture it in my mind as some sort of percussive instrument that produces sounds only in a high register, like a triangle. Instead, it only emits very low bass sounds from its mighty skin, like the large brass tuba. The tuba's name surely fits its demeanor, but not the timpani. I guess I should apologize to the timpani, because the timpani is not obligated by me just to fit my ideals of what I think its name sounds like. I now say sorry to the timpani and all other instruments I have mentally wronged. You are free to be yourself, timpani.