Vuvuzela

Not to be confused with Venezuela.
Vuvuzela
Brass instrument
Classification

Brass[1]

Hornbostel–Sachs classification423.121.22
(Tubular end-blown trumpet with mouthpiece)
Playing range
Varies by instrument, typically around B♭
Related instruments
Bugle
Vuvuzela note
A standard short 58-centimetre (1.9 ft) vuvuzela plays a single B♭ note.
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The vuvuzela /vuːvuːˈzɛlə/ is a horn, with an inexpensive injection-moulded plastic shell about 65 centimetres (2 ft) long, which produces a loud monotone note, typically around B♭ 3[2] (the first B♭ below middle C).[3] Some models are made in two parts to facilitate storage, and this design also allows pitch variation. Many types of vuvuzela, made by several manufacturers, may produce various intensity and frequency outputs.[4] The intensity of these outputs depends on the blowing technique and pressure exerted.[4] The indoor noise level caused the U.S. NCAA to permanently ban them after the 7 February 1987 Division I Men's Ice Hockey game between the Brown Bears and the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Engineers. The noise was so extreme that Brown formally complained and "The RPI Rule" was universally adopted.[5][6][7][8]

The vuvuzela is commonly used at football matches in South Africa,[9] and it has become a symbol of South African football as the stadiums are filled with its sound.[10] The intensity of the sound caught the attention of the global football community during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in anticipation of South Africa hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup.[10]

The vuvuzela has been the subject of controversy when used by spectators at football matches. Its high volume can lead to permanent hearing loss for unprotected ears after close-range exposure,[11] with a sound level of 120 dB(A) (the threshold of pain) at one metre (3.3 ft) from the device opening.[10]

  1. ^ "VUVUZELA – Definition and synonyms of vuvuzela in the English dictionary". educalingo.com. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
  2. ^ "10 things about the vuvuzela". BBC News. 15 June 2010.
  3. ^ "Trumping the trumpets: how audio engineering helps tone down vuvuzela disruption" (Press release). Queen Mary College University of London. 18 June 2010. Archived from the original on 28 June 2010. Retrieved 21 June 2010.
  4. ^ a b Swanepoel, De Wet; Hall III, James W; Koekemoer, Dirk (April 2010). "Vuvuzela sound measurements". South African Medical Journal. 100 (4). Cape Town, South Africa: 192. doi:10.7196/samj.4098. hdl:2263/14802. PMID 20459951.
  5. ^ "The Big Red Freakout: An RPI Hockey Tradition | Institute Archives and Special Collections". archives.rpi.edu. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
  6. ^ Graves, Matt (3 February 2016). "A brief history of RPI hockey's 'Big Red Freakout'". Times Union. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
  7. ^ Myers, Jess. "Great Traditions in Collage Hockey". USA Hockey Magazine.
  8. ^ "Special Games | RPI Hockey". sports-chronicles.com. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
  9. ^ "V is for Vuvuzela". Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from the original on 14 June 2007. Retrieved 9 September 2008.
  10. ^ a b c Swanepoel, De Wet; Hall III, James W; Koekemoer, Dirk (February 2010). "Vuvuzela – good for your team, bad for your ears" (PDF). South African Medical Journal. 100 (4). Cape Town, South Africa: 99–100. doi:10.7196/samj.3697. hdl:2263/13136. PMID 20459912.
  11. ^ Swanepoel, D Wet; Hall III, James W (April 2010). "Football match spectator sound exposure and effect on hearing: A pretest-post-test study". South African Medical Journal. 100 (4). Cape Town, South Africa: 239–42. doi:10.7196/samj.4091. hdl:2263/14150. PMID 20459971.