The Didgeridoo

The Didgeridoo is the oldest known instrument of the indigenous Australian culture, and possibly the oldest musical instrument known to man. The Aboriginals would find wood naturally hollowed out by termites, usually eucalyptus limbs, and cut them to length.  Didgeridoo's, a drone instrument, is used to accompany ritualistic dancing, and traditional tribal songs.  Sounds played by the didgeridoo imitate sounds of wild Australia, usually relating back to the calls of animals such as the kookaburra. Playing didgeridoo and imitating these sounds reacquire the skill of circular breathing. Some players can play, and hold a single not with no breaks in sound production for upwards of 30 minutes.Today the didgeridoo is played for both recreational and traditional purposes.  Musicians can be found in playing in the streets of Sydney accompanied by a clap stick player as well as a click track of electronic music. 

This Didgeridoo player demonstrates how you play both the didgeridoo and clapsticks at the same time. 

This is a short lesson that describes the technique of circular breathing, as well as teaches you how to practice at home.

In this video you can see an aboriginal playing some "pop didgeridoo," music set to a prerecorded track. 

This shows a more traditional style of playing. Here the aborigines sing, dance, and play a traditional tribal song. 

Here we see the newest type of didgeridoo playing. William Barton plays didgeridoo with the Sydney youth orchestra at the Sydney Opera house. 

Sources. 

Teo, H., & White, R. (2003). Cultural History in Australia. Sydney: University of New South Wales Press.

Colson, M. (2013). Indigenous Australian Cultures. Chicago, Ill: Capstone.

Fisher, L. (2014). ‘Aboriginal mass culture’: a critical history. Visual Studies, 29(3)

http://www.didgrevolution.com/didghistory.html