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Larry Iwan is a
relatively new customer to our shop since he recently started
learning to play tuba. While talking with Larry, we learned that he
plays the didgeridoo - an aboriginal instrument from Australia.
Larry has been to Australia to study and learn from a
"Master" of the didgeridoo. He said it was quite an
experience.
We asked Larry to bring in one of his didgeridoos (he has a collection of them)
the next time he came to the shop so we could share some pictures of this unusual instrument.
Thanks Larry!
I found the following information on the website:
http://www.aboriginalart.com.au
10 DIDGERIDOO FACTS
1. Possibly the world's oldest musical instrument
2. A wind instrument originally found in Arnhem Land, Northern Australia.
3. Is made from limbs and tree trunks hollowed out by termites (insects).
4. Is cut to an average length of 1.3 meters and cleaned out with a stick. or hot coals.
5. Was used as an accompaniment to chants and songs.
6. Produces a low-pitch, resonant sound with complex rhythmic patterns.
7. In sure tribal groups only played by men but in most groups by men, women and children.
8. Traditional various forms at the didjeridoo where found in Central Australia around Alice Springs.
9. The Didgeridoo is the sound of Australia.
10. If the earth had a voice it would be the sound of the Didgeridoo.
Larry works for the Laboratory of Laser Energetics at the University of Rochester. He tells us that he practices the didgeridoo during his lunch break. Hmmm, if you ever hear an unusual sound while walking around this building, perhaps it is Larry practicing.
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