By FPL_Suzanne
In honor of National Kazoo Day on Sunday, January 28, learn about this musical instrument, how to make one, and how to play it!
Did you know that the kazoo can be played by anyone and everyone? All you need to be able to do is hum! You don’t even need to learn how to read music! Just start humming. But, first, here is a little history…
The kazoo was invented by Alabama Vest in 1840. Thaddeus Von Clegg, a watchmaker, made the kazoo based on Alabama’s specifications. They introduced the kazoo as the “Down South Submarine” at the Georgia State Fair in 1852. At first people called the kazoo a “clegghorn” after Thaddeus Von Clegg. The kazoo took hold in American culture in 1912 after Michael McIntyre and Harry Richardson opened The Original American Kazoo Company, opens a new window in Eden, New York. This is where the first metal kazoos were made beginning in 1916, and they are still making them there today!
Don’t have a kazoo? Follow these links to learn how to make a homemade one:
How to Make a Kazoo Out of a Toilet Paper Roll, opens a new window
Exploring Sound: Making a Kazoo, opens a new window
Finally, now it’s time to play! Remember, you just hum into the mouthpiece. However, if you want to learn from a professional, click on the link below for a quick three-minute lesson.
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