The kazoo may be best known as an annoying party favor, but research tools at the UC San Diego Library reveal some historical surprises and current uses. Speech therapists have had success using the kazoo as a rehabilitation tool for adults and as an ice-breaker for young children who are perhaps too shy to engage in prescribed vocal exercise. Anthropologists and sociologists have found ancient kazoos thought to be used in solemn ceremonies in Africa and Mexico. Classical composers and pop musicians alike have snuck kazoos into their compositions and recordings.
National Kazoo Day is almost upon us! The date is often celebrated on the fourth Thursday of January, but this year the cabal of kazoo leaders have opted for the more stationary numerical date of Jan. 28 (falling on a Tuesday this year.)
Come to the Seuss Room of Geisel Library on Tuesday, January 28, 2014, at noon to sort through some fascinating kazoo literature (scholarly articles and musical scores) and listen to some new chamber music for kazoo composed by alumni of UC San Diego. Encore songs from The Cat in the Hat Songbook will be performed, if the audience insists. A collection of kazoos from many decades and many countries will be on view and, while supplies last, a free kazoo for attendees.
National Kazoo Day
Free event.
Free kazoo.
Tuesday, Jan. 28th at noon
Seuss Room, Geisel Library, UC San Diego
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