Most people have heard of a didgeridoo, but it’s not something you’d expect to see in the halls. It has a deep, almost buzzing sound, and roots in Indigenous Australian culture. Hunter Griggs, a junior here at Tumwater High School, can be seen in the hallway many times carrying one of his two didgeridoos.
The Interview
Hunter Griggs, a junior here at Tumwater High School, has been playing the didgeridoo for about a year and a half. His introduction to the
instrument happened while he was playing Clash Royale, where a line about “years of didgeridoo lessons” made him curious. He looked it up, thought the instrument looked interesting, and decided to teach himself.
Through many YouTube videos, Hunter learned everything he could. He says the hardest skill to master was circular breathing, which took him around eight months to feel comfortable doing. He also learned how to double tongue and use vocalizations to create the chirping sounds the didgeridoo is known for. One technique he used to learn circular breathing involved blowing bubbles through a straw in water, which helped build breath control and consistency.
What Hunter enjoys most about this instrument is its uniqueness. He likes that it stands out from other instruments and connects him to a different culture. He practices often, at least once a week, usually while teaching his friend how to play.
He started playing for others over the summer while working at the Boys and Girls Club. According to him, the didgeridoo is much harder than people think.
He shared some of the instrument’s history with me. The didgeridoo originates from Aboriginal Australian culture and has been used in many types of ceremonies, including coming-of-age traditions. It is one of the oldest wind instruments. For anyone interested in learning, Hunter recommends watching videos, practicing consistently, and listening to experienced players.
He plans to keep playing in the future, and continue exploring the sounds of this amazing instrument.
In conclusion, it is so awesome that we have a student here at Tumwater High School who is helping us remember the rich Aboriginal history of the didgeridoo. While I am now used to hearing it, the didgeridoo carries a weight that is impossible to ignore, especially when it shows up at school.
