Len Zon: Instructional Film: Playing a Shofar

(energetic upbeat music) - Okay, so I'm going to get a shofar lesson with Dr. Len Zon.

He gets the, of the big boy's shofar and I get the novice shofar.

- The way you make a sound in a shofar is a buzzing sound just like the trumpet.

And so you have to go (lips buzzing) And that allows you to actually get a sound.

And so (shofar buzzing) (lips buzzing) Are you not taking a deep enough breath of air?

Like when you think about when you're singing so you wanna go, (lips buzzing) So you need to really get that (indistinct) - Kids, don't try this at home.

It's rude unless you're practicing for an instrument then it's okay.

(lip buzzing) - It sounds so much better when you do it.

- Well, - It Just sounds, - years and years of practice.

- I just sound like the jerk in the back of a classroom who needs attention - You should probably have this a little bit off to the side of your lips, because that is easier.

I think it's easier on the other side.

So you should flip it around.

That's good.

Give it your best with a buzz and spit into it.

- Your buzz sounded more musical.

(shofar buzzing) - There you go.

You did it.

- I did it.

- Excellent.

In the high holiday service you need to be able to go up to that next tone.

(shofar buzzing) Oh, very close.

That's it.

Well, you have a little ways to go before you're ready for a high holidays.

I suggest practicing 30 minutes a day.

By the end, you'll be really ready to go.

(shofar buzzing) (rhythmic music playing)