Introduction to Native American Music
Music typically used, created or performed by Native North Americans, specifically traditional tribal music, is referred to as Native American music. Vocalization and percussion are usually the most important aspects of this type of music. Vocalizations can range from solo and choral song to responsorial, unison and multipart singing. Percussion instruments, particularly drums and rattles, are used to keep tempo for the singers, who use their native language as well as non-lexical vocables.
Traditional Native American music begins with a slow and steady beat that gradually grows faster and more emphatic. Drums and rattles, shouts and accented sound patterns add variety and provide queues for singers …show more content…
Known as Kuseyaay, a specialist member of the council of male and female priests, tribal doctors and scientists to the leader, Kwaaypaay, engages in special ceremonies in preparation to sing and lead these song cycles. The Kuseyaay then sings while clan members dance in celebration (Native American News, n.d.). Traditionally, Kumeyaay Bird Songs do not use drums. Instead, gourd or tortoiseshell rattles filled with native palm seeds supply the rhythm needed for singers and dancers to perform.
According to Mr. Cody “Wolf Pack” Sanders, a proud member of the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, present day Kumeyaay music and customs have been carefully maintained and passed down through generations (Personal Interview, Oct. 2014). Traditionally, tribal members gather to sing, dance, and share the company of old friends in times of celebration, Kuruck, and grief, Takaay (Native American News, n.d.). A funeral song sequence may include as many as 117 different songs and continue for up to 24 …show more content…
Traditionally known as halma, gourd rattles were used by indigenous tribes from Southern California, San Diego County, northern Baja California, Mexico. Halmas are played during traditional Native American singing and dancing, including religious ceremonies and performances of bird songs of the Yuman Indians (Bird Songs, n.d. & Native American Rattles, n.d.).
The oldest known examples of indigenous North American rattles are clay rattles, most likely because clay survived the test of time whereas the other organic natural materials deteriorated and were lost (Native American Rattles, n.d.). Mr. Sanders stated that typical Native American musical rattles are generally made from natural gourds, old milk cans with desert willow switches for handles, palm seeds to make rattle sounds, and agave cord binding (Personal Interview,
Music typically used, created or performed by Native North Americans, specifically traditional tribal music, is referred to as Native American music. Vocalization and percussion are usually the most important aspects of this type of music. Vocalizations can range from solo and choral song to responsorial, unison and multipart singing. Percussion instruments, particularly drums and rattles, are used to keep tempo for the singers, who use their native language as well as non-lexical vocables.
Traditional Native American music begins with a slow and steady beat that gradually grows faster and more emphatic. Drums and rattles, shouts and accented sound patterns add variety and provide queues for singers …show more content…
Known as Kuseyaay, a specialist member of the council of male and female priests, tribal doctors and scientists to the leader, Kwaaypaay, engages in special ceremonies in preparation to sing and lead these song cycles. The Kuseyaay then sings while clan members dance in celebration (Native American News, n.d.). Traditionally, Kumeyaay Bird Songs do not use drums. Instead, gourd or tortoiseshell rattles filled with native palm seeds supply the rhythm needed for singers and dancers to perform.
According to Mr. Cody “Wolf Pack” Sanders, a proud member of the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, present day Kumeyaay music and customs have been carefully maintained and passed down through generations (Personal Interview, Oct. 2014). Traditionally, tribal members gather to sing, dance, and share the company of old friends in times of celebration, Kuruck, and grief, Takaay (Native American News, n.d.). A funeral song sequence may include as many as 117 different songs and continue for up to 24 …show more content…
Traditionally known as halma, gourd rattles were used by indigenous tribes from Southern California, San Diego County, northern Baja California, Mexico. Halmas are played during traditional Native American singing and dancing, including religious ceremonies and performances of bird songs of the Yuman Indians (Bird Songs, n.d. & Native American Rattles, n.d.).
The oldest known examples of indigenous North American rattles are clay rattles, most likely because clay survived the test of time whereas the other organic natural materials deteriorated and were lost (Native American Rattles, n.d.). Mr. Sanders stated that typical Native American musical rattles are generally made from natural gourds, old milk cans with desert willow switches for handles, palm seeds to make rattle sounds, and agave cord binding (Personal Interview,