Friday, 20 October, 4:00pm, Perkins Library Rare Book Room

J. Randal Guptill will play and discuss the serpent, an ancestor of the modern tuba.  The serpent, made of leather and wood, is said to have been invented circa 1590 by Canon Edme Guillaume to accompany plainsong.  The instrument was later adopted by British regimental and church bands.  In the U.S., serpents were among the instruments in George Washington's band.  Co-sponsored by the Duke University Musical Instrument Collections and the Duke University Libraries.  Refreshments following the demonstration/discussion.  Limited parking for this event on the quad in front of the Chapel.

• ilene.nelson@duke.edu
• 660-5816