What’s a Didgeridoo?

The didgeridoo (‘sound stick’) is a straight piece of timber made from a tree branch or trunk that has been hollowed out by termites. Originally the musical instrument of the northern Australian Aboriginals, it has now spread to many other tribes. The didgeridoo is often played in conjunction with click sticks and the clapping together of boomerangs in ‘corroborees’ (a ceremonial or social gathering with music and dance), or the player taps out rhythms using the sticks or his finger on the side of the didgeridoo while playing.

Gerry Gordon is one of few accomplished didgeridoo players in Manitoba. Born in Canada, Gerry first heard and then learned to play the instrument while in Arizona. He now has a wonderful collection of several different didgeridoos, and welcomes every opportunity to perform this ancient Aboriginal instrument. In 2000, Gerry was privileged to play with Tal-Kin-Jeri, the Australian Aboriginal group who performed at the Australia/New Zealand Folklorama Pavilion. Gerry is regularly invited to play the didgeridoo at events in Winnipeg, and can often be seen busking at The Forks and other locations.

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