By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Little ones and their guardians took a trip to the land down under at the Sherborn Library. Here, they welcomed Rob Thomas of Didgeridoo Down Under to perform a high-energy, Australian themed show.
This event, which was sponsored by the Friends of the Sherborn Library, combined elements of music, culture, comedy, character building, storytelling and audience participation throughout. Thomas, who is known as the didgeridoo pioneer in the U.S., has been making and playing didgeridoos for almost 30 years, performed throughout the country, recorded several CDs and has produced music for numerous films, including the IMAX movie “Sacred Planet.” He additionally has lived in Australia for a period of time and traveled the world visiting all seven continents.
As everyone gathered together, Thomas set up the eight different didgeridoos he brought along with him as well as other interesting instruments, globe, signs, stuffed animals and more. Between playing these didgeridoos, he explained a little bit about Australia, including their time zone and geography.
He portrayed to all in attendance that Australia is located on the other end of the world in which they are a whole day ahead of us there. He explained some other cool facts like how this country sits below the equator, the sun hits Australia first, they have opposing seasons compared to us here in Massachusetts, they are the largest island in the world and they have more than 10,000 beaches.
As Thomas played each of his didgeridoos, he further discussed how five out of the eight he had were originally made by the Aboriginal people in Australia. The Aboriginals were the first ever people to make and play didgeridoos using eucalyptus tree trunks and branches. They would tap the tree to make sure the termites had hollowed it out before cutting it down and adding beeswax to the end of it. The termites go on to create tunnels in the wood that ultimately give each didgeridoo its unique sound. While there is nothing inside the didgeridoo itself, Thomas noted that it is all about using one's lips to help make the different sounds.
As the performance went on, Thomas got all attendees participating and singing along. Little ones were given sticks to add to the didgeridoo music and adults were asked to raise their hands in the air and chant during certain parts. There were certainly smiles and laughs all around as everyone thoroughly enjoyed this event.
For more information about Didgeridoo Down Under, please visit their website at www.didgedownunder.com.
