| Didgeridoo |
| The didgeridoo is a wind instrument traditionally made from eucalyptus trees, which have had their interiors hollowed out. It was developed around 1,500 years ago by Indigenous Australians in northern Australia and is still commonly used in Australia and around the world today. A modern didgeridoo is cylindrical or conical and can measure anywhere from 3 to 10 ft long. Generally, the longer the instrument, the lower the pitch or key will be, although the most common length is found to be 4 ft long. Many didgeridoos are painted by their makers, however, some modern makers avoid painting it if they are not of Indigenous Australian decent. Traditionally, the didgeridoo was played as an accompaniment to ceremonial dances and songs but it was also common for didgeridoos to be played for solo and recreational purposes, aside from ceremonial happenings. Although there are a few that still play for ceremonial gatherings, most today use it for recreational purposes. The didgeridoo is played with continuously vibrating lips whilst using a special breathing technique called ‘circular breathing’. Circular breathing is a method of which a person can breathe in through the nose whilst simultaneously blowing out through the mouth, using air stored in the cheeks. By doing this a player can sustain a note for as long as desired and recordings exist of modern didgeridoo players playing continuously for over 40 minutes. |
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