NATIONAL KAZOO DAY

National Kazoo Day

NATIONAL KAZOO DAY

National Kazoo Day on January 28th recognizes nearly 200 years of kazoo music in the United States. The day also encourages playing and learning about the kazoo. 

#NationalKazooDay

The instrument requires little effort to create a sound. However, some skill is necessary to make intelligible music. This simple instrument also adds comedic punctuations to just about any childhood song. The great thing about the kazoo is, if you can hum, you can play!

Warren H. Frost first proposed the name "kazoo" when he submitted his U.S. patent application for a musical toy instrument. The U.S. Patent Office granted Frost's application with patent no. 270,543 on January 9, 1883. 

In 1915, Michael McIntyre partnered with Harry Richardson, and they established The Original American Kazoo Company which began producing metal kazoos. They are still in production today in Eden, NY.

During World War I, another instrument made the scene. Larger and a little more cumbersome for a child to manage, makers touted the bazooka as an instrument anyone could play (and build).

CELEBRATE NATIONAL KAZOO DAY

  • Play a song on the kazoo.
  • Start a kazoo band.
  • Make your own kazoo.
  • Learn about how a kazoo works.
  • Teach someone to play the kazoo.
  • Create a video of you playing a kazoo.
  • Visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for kazoo projects.
  • Use #NationalKazooDay to post on social media.
  • Play the Kazoo as you listen to National Day Radio! Just hit play...

NATIONAL KAZOO DAY HISTORY

Founded in 1983 by Chaplin Willard Rahn of the Joyful Noise Kazoo Band, National Kazoo Day celebrates the humble kazoo and all the infectious joy it brings to people of all ages.

Kazoo FAQ

Q. Can anyone play a kazoo?
A. Anyone who can hum can play the kazoo.

Q. Are kazoos expensive?
A. Kazoos are relatively inexpensive musical instruments. More expensive kazoos still cost less than ten dollars.

Q. What materials are used to make kazoos?
A. Kazoos can be made from metal, wood, plastic, glass, or even cardboard.