Hi there, another 'did you know...'
Did you know that writer Alexander McCall Smith is also a bassoonist?
Known for his many colourful books that make up his 'The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency' series, he has also been playing our beloved instrument for many years now.
![The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency](http://www.littlebrown.co.uk/assets/images/EAN/Large/9780349116754.jpg)
![Tears of the Giraffe Tears of the Giraffe](http://www.littlebrown.co.uk/assets/images/EAN/Large/9780349116655.jpg)
![The Kalahari Typing School for Men The Kalahari Typing School for Men](http://www.littlebrown.co.uk/assets/images/EAN/Large/9780349117041.jpg)
And even plays the contrabassoon...
![Alexander McCall Smith Alexander McCall Smith](http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01181/arts-graphics-2007_1181911a.jpg)
In fact he is quite the ambassador for the bassoon, and playing it badly! You can read his article from The Times about saving our 'endangered' instrument and his orchestra, 'The Really Terrible Orchestra' (RTO), here: Alexander McCall Smith, ‘Let’s save this noble instrument of mirth’.
Do enjoy.
All the best,
Thomas