Story #4: How I Transformed a Trunk into an Incredible Music Instrument (v2)
Key Takeaway:
Be hands on!
The Story:
Taiyo eagerly awaited his upcoming birthday adventure. He had recently turned 6. He had been playing for years with his fake didgeridoo. His parents had realised that he really liked didgeridoos. They decided to gift him an unforgettable day in the Queensland bush to make a real didgeridoo with Eckybow, a wise Aboriginal Thorny Devil Lizard. Eckybow was a traditional didgeridoo maker.
The day finally arrived, and Taiyo's family packed their bags, hopped into their car, and set off on a two-hour journey to the heart of Queensland, where Taiyo would learn the ancient art of didgeridoo making from the legendary Eckybow
Upon arriving at Eckybow's shack, Taiyo's eyes widened with excitement as he gazed upon the countless Red Box and Yellow Box Eucalyptus logs scattered around the place. "Wow, there are so many logs to choose from!" Taiyo exclaimed.
Eckybow chuckled and said, "You're right, Taiyo! It's like a lumberjack's dream come true! But enough about that, let's pick the perfect log for your didgeridoo." Taiyo carefully inspected each log until he found one that was just right. It was taller than him and had a beautiful grain pattern that he thought would make a lovely instrument.
With the log chosen, Eckybow began to teach Taiyo the six steps to making a didgeridoo:
Step 1 - Removing the bark: Taiyo and Eckybow carefully scraped off the outer bark of the log using chisels and knives. However, the little penguin decided to keep some bark at the bottom of the log to remember what he looked like in the bush. Daddy Penguin joked, "I guess you could say you're really getting to the 'bark' of the matter!" Eckybow and Taiyo laughed heartily.
Step 2 - Cleaning the interior: They inspected the inside of the log, removing any debris or obstructions left by termites. "You could say you're really 'cleaning house' in here!" Taiyo and Eckybow chuckled at another clever dad joke.
Step 3 - Shaping and smoothing: Taiyo (helped by Daddy Penguin) and Eckybow used knives and rasps to shape the exterior of the didgeridoo. Daddy Penguin said, "I hope we don't 'file' this under 'hard work'!" Once again, Eckybow and Taiyo laughed.
Step 4 - Crafting the mouthpiece: Eckybow showed Taiyo how to melt beeswax and create a comfortable mouthpiece that would provide an airtight seal. "Wow, beeswax really is the 'bee's knees'!" Taiyo exclaimed, and Eckybow couldn't help but smile at the enthusiasm and humour.
Step 5 - Finishing touches: They applied protective wood oil to the didgeridoo with paint brushes. Taiyo remarked, "This is truly a 'work of art'!"
Step 6 - Playing the didgeridoo: Eckybow taught Taiyo how to play his new instrument, creating mesmerizing rhythms and harmonics that echoed throughout the bush.
As the sun began to set, Taiyo and Eckybow admired the beautiful didgeridoo they had crafted together. "Thank you, Eckybow, for teaching me this amazing skill," Taiyo said gratefully. "You're an incredible teacher."
Eckybow smiled warmly and replied, "You're a fantastic student, Taiyo. Your passion and talent have impressed me. Don’t forget to decorate it with beautiful traditional designs when you get home "
Cliffhanger 1: Just as they were about to pack up and head home, a sudden rustling in the bushes caught their attention (I will have to find another cliffhanger, depending on the next chapter!)
Cliffhanger 2: Taiyo thought, yes, I will paint it but how will I learn to play like it like Eckybow?
Questions before falling asleep, to encourage your kids to imagine themselves in Taiyo’s shoes
Have you ever seen a didgeridoo? When and where?
What do you think of the Thorny Devil Lizard? Eckybow is his real name, he is a descendant of the far north New South Wales Gamilaroi tribe and the Northern Territory Warumungu tribe
Which steps in making a didgeridoo sound the most dangerous one?
Would you like to make your own instrument? Which one?
Original Videos:
For Parents:
PS:
This is just a draft, I am not a writer but I welcome your opinions below to help me write a children's book that can truly inspire children to find their passion for music and start playing in the streets for everyone's enjoyment