Native American Music
When contemplating different topics for this paper, I was trying to decide which type of music would be of the most interest to me. After thinking about the numerous subjects that I could write about, I decided to research and further my understanding of Native American Music. I have chosen to write about Native American Music because I myself am from Native American decent. It really made me think twice about my understanding of the subject when you asked us in class who was of Native American decent, then asked who knew anything about the culture, the music, or their way of life. Therefore, I have chosen to research Native American music in regards to the music, the culture, and their way of life.
The music of the of …show more content…
The Native Americans made use of everything possible, never wasting anything; everything had a use. This is how many of the instruments came to be. In specificity to the role music played within the culture, that role changed from tribe to tribe. Some tribes, the voice was a huge influence in their music, often times the focus of the music. However, in other tribes, the voice was not often used. In addition, harmonizing is not common in Native American music. Native Americans focused the music on one thing, that being either an instrument or a tribe member’s voice, accompanied by a drum often, but not a harmony. Although at times many tribe members would sing at once, but never harmonizing (Native American Music). It is said that the music of the Native American people is some of the most intricate music composed due to the vocals (Native American Music). In addition, the Native American culture is rich with traditions. The drum is the oldest instrument on earth; also known as the heartbeat of the earth. The drumbeat is also the heartbeat behind all Native American Music (Radzicki). It is said to encompass the circle of life, using plants, animals, fire, water, and many earthly resources. A powwow is another tradition within the culture. Although, a relatively new tradition, since the 19th century. A powwow often involves a large drum played by multiple people on both sides of the drum simultaneously. It also often involves contests with prizes, such as a dancing or singing contest. Also, many different traditional dances preformed and a welcome speech is giving to start
When contemplating different topics for this paper, I was trying to decide which type of music would be of the most interest to me. After thinking about the numerous subjects that I could write about, I decided to research and further my understanding of Native American Music. I have chosen to write about Native American Music because I myself am from Native American decent. It really made me think twice about my understanding of the subject when you asked us in class who was of Native American decent, then asked who knew anything about the culture, the music, or their way of life. Therefore, I have chosen to research Native American music in regards to the music, the culture, and their way of life.
The music of the of …show more content…
The Native Americans made use of everything possible, never wasting anything; everything had a use. This is how many of the instruments came to be. In specificity to the role music played within the culture, that role changed from tribe to tribe. Some tribes, the voice was a huge influence in their music, often times the focus of the music. However, in other tribes, the voice was not often used. In addition, harmonizing is not common in Native American music. Native Americans focused the music on one thing, that being either an instrument or a tribe member’s voice, accompanied by a drum often, but not a harmony. Although at times many tribe members would sing at once, but never harmonizing (Native American Music). It is said that the music of the Native American people is some of the most intricate music composed due to the vocals (Native American Music). In addition, the Native American culture is rich with traditions. The drum is the oldest instrument on earth; also known as the heartbeat of the earth. The drumbeat is also the heartbeat behind all Native American Music (Radzicki). It is said to encompass the circle of life, using plants, animals, fire, water, and many earthly resources. A powwow is another tradition within the culture. Although, a relatively new tradition, since the 19th century. A powwow often involves a large drum played by multiple people on both sides of the drum simultaneously. It also often involves contests with prizes, such as a dancing or singing contest. Also, many different traditional dances preformed and a welcome speech is giving to start