To improve the drum you could use real string instead of the piece of paper. Just jam a piece of string between the top of the drum (I think you use a 2x2 round plate) and the larger round piece. If you jam both ends at the opposite sides of the drum, you can create a loop which you can put around the neck of the drummer. It takes some time to get the size right, but I put the string loop on my drum at the neck of the drummer on one side and below the arm on the other (I use really thin black rope, it looks nice and fits underneath the epaulets easily. The drummer won't fall over if you place it on studs, and if you don't it is easy enough to put a 1-stud piece underneath it and get the same effect (the stud will be in the middle of the drum and won't be visible from a regular viewing angle). I would show you a picture of my drummer, but I haven't got a camera here, basicly, the drum hangs around the neck off the drummer, which is nicer. : )
Also, I use the drum out of this set:
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m102/kiaoh/Lego%20sets/KIngKahukasThrone6262-1.jpg It has a nice printed top, which might look nice on your drum as well. The string I told about, I jammed the ends between the red and the black piece.
Just some ideas for you though, your figs are superb.
