Didgeridoo

Either you are more up on your Aboriginal musical instruments than I was or you are very good googlers. Most of you knew what a didgeridoo was, but did you know how to play it. It is a very difficult instrument to play. I equate the sound to a boat's horn when leaving the harbour; or possibly a sound that it usually accompanied by an "excuse me". It is not a sound that goes well with a well tuned violin. It fits better with an orchestra of drums. To play the instrument you need to relax your lips, turn your tongue to the inside of your mouth, breathe in and breathe out while continueing to make the instrument play. R.T. will have it perfected by the time we get home and will give a concert to all who are interested.

The instrument is made by from a hollow piece of timber, due to termites eating through the center of the branch or trunk, which in general is Eucalyptus. Once the bark has been removed from the outside of the Eucalyptus, and the termites removed from the inside, the Didgeridoo is ready to be played. Often beeswax is placed over the rim of the Didgeridoo to act as a softer mouthpiece. It is then decorated in Aboriginal art that tells a story using pictures. R.T.'s tells a love story. Even though we have the words that go with the pictures, we cannot interpret the story...sorry.

Lastly, did you know that the didgeridoo is used for treating Sleep Apnea. It has to do with th way that the instrument is played. It exercises the muscles in the mouth and supposedly makes it easier for people to breathe while sleeping.