Didgeridoo

What is a didgeridoo?

The didgeridoo is a wind instrument developed by Indigenous Australians of northern Australia at least 1,500 years ago and is still in widespread usage today both in Australia and around the world. It is sometimes described as a natural wooden trumpet or "drone pipe".

A modern didgeridoo is usually cyndrical or conical, and can measure anywhere from 1 to 3 m (3 to 10 ft) long. Most are around 1.2 m (4 ft) long. The length is directly related to the 1/2 sound wavelength of the keynote. Generally, the longer the instrument, the lower the pitch or key of the instrument.

What is it made of?

Authentic Aboriginal didgeridoos are produced in traditionally-oriented communities in Northern Australia or by makers who travel to Central and Northern Australia to collect the raw materials.

They are usually made from hardwoods, more commonly made from the various eucalyptus species that are endemic in Northern Australia. Sometimes a native bamboo is used.

Generally the main trunk of the tree is harvested, though a substantial branch may be used instead. Aboriginal didgeridoo craftsmen spend considerable time in the challenging search for a tree that has been hollowed out by termites to just the right degree. If the hollow is too big or too small, it will make a poor quality instrument.

When a suitable tree is found, it is cut down and the segment of trunk or branch that will be made into a didgeridoo is cut out. The bark is taken off, the ends trimmed, and some shaping of the exterior then results in a finished instrument. This instrument may be painted or left undecorated. A rim of beeswax may be applied to the mouthpiece end. Traditional instruments made by Aboriginal craftsmen in Arnhem Land are sometimes fitted with a 'sugarbag' mouthpiece. This black beeswax comes from wild bees and has a distinctive aroma.

It can also be made PVC piping, non-native hard woods (typically split, hollowed and rejoined), fiberglass, metal, agave, clay, hemp (a bioplastic named zelfo), and even carbon fiber.

How is it played?

The didgeridoo is played with continuously vibrating lips to produce the drone while using a special breathing technique called circular breathing. This requires breathing in through the nose whilst simultaneously expelling stored air out of the mouth using the tongue and cheeks. By use of this technique, a skilled player can replenish the air in their lungs, and with practice can sustain a note for as long as desired.

Traditional use

Traditionally and originally, the didgeridoo was primarily played as an accompaniment to ceremonial dancing and singing, however, it was also common for didgeridoos to be played for solo or recreational purposes outside of ceremonial gatherings. Today, the majority of didgeridoo playing is for recreational purposes in both Indigenous Australian communities and elsewhere around the world.

Influencing today's music scene

In the 20th century, several "modernised" versions of the didgeridoo have been developed.

~ Didjeribone - invented by Australian didgeridoo player Charlie McMahon. It is constructed of two lengths of plastic tube, one of which is slightly narrower in diameter than the other, and which slides inside the wider tube similar to a slide trombone (hence the instrument's name).

~ Slide Didge - intented by Australian inventor Scott Dunbar. The Slide Didge was the world's first commercially sold variable pitch didgeridoo, and Scott later produced the world's first Timber Slide Didge.

~ Didjbox or Didgebox - a type of travel didgeridoo originally invented by American, Marko Johnson. The Didjbox was designed to be extremely compact, very lightweight and still produces a good sound quality with the low deep drone of a full length Didgeridoo.

~ The didgeridoo has also found a place in modern Celtic music.

~ A keyed didgeridoo (having keys somewhat like those of a saxophone, allowing the performer to play melodically) - developed by American didgeridoo player, Graham Wiggins.

~ Dynamic multi drone didgeridoos - created by American didgeridoo player and crafter, William Thoren. The construction method and technique was developed in 2008 that gives a didgeridoo the possibility to produce multiple drone notes on a single didgeridoo.

~ The didgeridoo also became a role playing instrument in the experimental and avant-garde music scene. Industrial music bands generated sounds from this instrument and used them in their industrial performances, linking ecology to industry, influenced by ethnic music and culture.

My thoughts

I have seen some buskers playing the didgeridoo on the streets. But sadly, it didn't leave that much of impression on me. Perhaps it was because I had no idea what the instrument was called then.

Watching American Idol last week, I finally got to know the name of the instrument after it was played during one of the performances. Then, I realised how this instrument has travelled from so far away to contribute to the music industry today. And I thought "If people had been contented and stayed put in their own country, our music scene will be less entertaining with less variety!"

It dawned on me how migration is not only about people moving from a place to another, it also involves them introducing their culture to other parts of the world. And how technology has made it easier for us to travel and experience other cultures, in return allowing us to share this with others. The spread of information has been made more possible, thanks to technology.

I am very grateful for the discovery and widespread use of the didgeridoo. Not only do I get to appreciate it in songs, it also has health benefits. Studies have shown that mastering the circular breathing technique helps to reduce snoring and sleep apnea!

Ladies, our problem of dealing with a snoring partner can be solved! Besides, "didgeridoo" is such a pretty name, he can't possibly get upset if you ask him to learn to play it!

References

Didgeridoo (April 7, 2010). Retrieved on April 10, 2010 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didgeridoo#Cultural_significance