iDIDJ Australia Didgeridoo Cultural Hub

Call me a gnarled old idealist with a chip on his shoulder, but I'd actually like to see Aboriginal people giving didj workshops in the UK and going round our schools talking about aspects of culture instead of yet another whitefella who has spent some time in Oz and has now labelled themselves an 'expert'...

Yep, I'm kicking the hornet's nest here and yes, I know the logistics, airfares, cash etc could be darn tricky!

BUT... I have this crazy notion of a UK support network that comes together to provide accommodation, transport & food as well as drum-up festival, gig, workshop and school activity opportunities for what could be called an artist-in-residence programme. My first bit of scratching around is hopeful but there's a long way to go.

All comments, ideas and offers of support welcome!

Dave:

To the brave kickers out there, I salute you. Sorry I've been "away" but my internet service provider (ISP) has tested my patience and challenged my techie knowledge long enough and the only good note I have is that I got a whole month's payment nixed for the troubles. So I sit outside, down the hall hardwired to a modem that faces a tower no more than .8 mile away. I can see it clearly yet the modem can't on the other side of the apt. complex where I live and faces west. Can anyone feel my wifi pain?

Back to your post. I have been trying the same here in Jax (Jacksonville), Florida. In no way is this small town anywhere close to being put on a map for the arts. Southern politics seem to keep the downtown empty as it's "safe for your children" but you won't see a soul. Probably the only city in the US where you won't see anyone. I may be exaggerating but the point is, we're a dead town and explaining to these folks that there is a world of culture, life and music that wants to come to the US, especially Jax is like talking to those who still believe the south won the civil war. Whatever.

I won't give up, however, on putting my best foot forward and spreading the news myself. I wish I had others on board and as much as I try and play and share this instrument, it's still never enough to attract the interest. I believe that there are people willing to listen and willing to offer financial help to the families Guan takes care of. Seeing just one trip here to the UK or States for a visit, workshop, concert or plain ol' time spent away from Oz is good enough for me. Let's not give up. I have faith and Dave's enthusiasm is good cheer.

Good luck UK on pushing this forward. I believe you all can do it! Anyone in the US...holler!
Peace,

Thanks Eric - sure good to know I'm not alone in this! Truth is I can't go to a UK festival now without getting totally depressed. I love to see folk enjoying the instrument and doing their own thing (even if crazy!) but to me there always seems to be an important ingredient missing - like syrup without the waffle (US) or eggs without bacon (UK)

The didj, unlike any other 'world' instrument I know, gives us a rare opportunity to highlight the mother culture as well as enjoy it for ourselves; and it's not as if this culture doesn't need every ounce of help it can get right now.

Let's see what we can do - even small things can count

Go USA and cheers!

To a degree this is already being done Dave, last year's visit by Djalu Gurruwiwi, Mirrwatnga Munyarryun etc being an example. I know Colin is keen to continue offering this type of thing, but as you've mentioned the logistics are difficult and the cost is immense. I've looked into it in the past but the truth is I'd be severely out of pocket to attempt to arrange something like this.

With regards to Aboriginal workshops, you'll find that their teaching style is very different in that they play their style to you and then ask you to repeat it. There is not much actual tuition! Western teachers are able to describe in detail the actions employed, which often results in the participant actively picking up the technique instead of just watching/listening to it.

I'm all for more Aboriginal players coming over and will help in any capacity that I can, but be aware that it is far from easy to arrange.

Kyle

Hi Kyle - yep, it's a tricky one. Whilst the didj is the obvious start point for us here I'm really thinking about all aspects of culture, especially art since this is already happening in UK schools. As well as demographics, health, archeology, ethnography, post-contact history etc there's the political and rights agenda to get across - in short everything in the Little Red Yellow Black Book! This could be an opportunity to start an exchange programme for media and cultural studies graduates maybe.

I certainly take your point about didj tuition and expectation - I had a 'lesson' from David Bl*n*si once!