Roseina Boston facts for kids

Roseina "Auntie Rose" Boston (born March 3, 1935 – died September 2018) was a special Aboriginal elder. She belonged to the Gumbaynggirr people. Roseina was famous for her unique way of playing music using a gumleaf. Her Indigenous name was Wanangaa, which means "stop."

Her Amazing Gumleaf Music

Roseina Boston was a talented musician. She showed the world a special kind of music. This music was made by playing a simple gumleaf.

Growing Up and Learning Music

Roseina grew up on Stuart Island in New South Wales, Australia. This area is now a golf course. When she was a child, she heard her uncles playing music with local eucalyptus gum leaves. She learned how to play them too. It was a traditional skill passed down in her community.

A Unique Talent

Roseina took part in the Australian Gumleaf Playing Championships. These competitions happened between 1977 and 1997. No Indigenous person ever won the main prize. However, Roseina Boston showed her amazing skill by placing fourth!

In 2000, her album called Aunty Rose and the gumleaf was released. This made Roseina the only female gumleaf player to have her music recorded for a CD. She was also a talented painter.

Sharing Her Music

Throughout her life, Roseina Boston's music was often played on Australian radio. Many people enjoyed listening to her unique gumleaf sounds. Audio and video recordings of her work are kept in important places. These include the Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies. Her music is also at the National Library of Australia. You can find it at the Department of Music at Monash University and the National Film and Sound Archive. These places help keep her music safe for future generations.

Her Legacy

Roseina Boston passed away in September 2018. She left behind her husband, Harry Boston. Roseina is remembered for her incredible talent and for sharing her culture through music. She showed how a simple gumleaf could create beautiful sounds.