Ben Sudol North America / Native Americans (I) Native Americans:

1/24/12

1. Diversity: 500 recognized tribes, 2.5 Million people recognized as being a member of a tribe a. Geography: Largest concentration of Native American tribes is in the West (Arizona, Cali) b. Demography c. Religion: No such thing as a Native American Religion. 2. Powwow: Is a celebration of diversity, life, history, nature. a. Is used to build inter tribe relationships. b. Are festivals that will last about 2 days (Weekend) that includes food, art, dance and music c. The drum is the key instrument for powwow, the drum represents life d. The womans spirit is in the drum 3. Native American Music: a. Music came into the world through woman b. Music part of daily life (Participation is assumed) c. Oral Tradition d. Usually Vocal / Monophonic (One Melody) e. Percussion Instruments (Drums) f. Usually Steady (Single or Duple) Meter g. Short Melodies (Phrases) but particular Range & Shape h. Repetition 4. Sioux Grass Dance a. Traditional Sioux War Dance b. Musical Characteristics i. Musical Medium & Timbre: 1. Falsetto: Men singing with a high voice 2. Portamento: Slides ii. Rhythm & Meter: 1. Rhythm: Very Strict iii. Performance: Many different singers iv. Text: There is no text 1. Vocables: No translatable words v. Melody: 1. Very Wide Range vi.