History Of Vocables

A vocable is described as a song with “syllables that do not translate into a specific word”(i.e La, Lee, Dum, Dee, Da, etc). Vocables are very popular in intertribal, inter-nation, pan-triable, pan-nation, songs, which are songs that are targeted to large group of nations (i.e AIM Song) Since they are not written in a specific language, they can be sung, and given meaning by all nations. This kind of music makes up a large part of music culture from many First Nations tribes throughout Canada and can be used in traditional social music or ceremonial music. Native Canadian music is divided into two main categories, social music and ceremonial music, both of which can be preformed privately or publicly. Social music consists of songs that are accompanied by percussion instruments such as handmade drums and/or rattles. These songs, often …show more content…
The word “Powwow” is of Algonquin origin and translates to “ medicine man” and “ he who dreams”. The lyrics to the songs preformed are usually made of vocables in combination with words or musical instruments. Powwow songs typically fall into two parts. The lead singer starts the song with a high-pitched cry that tells the group which song they are to sing. The group echoes the opening phrase and then moves into the first half of the song. At the end of the song's first half, there is a slight pause; then the second half begins. When the singers have finished the song the lead singer will repeat the start (opening phrase) and the song is sung all the way through. The opening phrase of the second half is then repeated as a “tail” and the song ends with a series of distinct beats. Inter-triable songs are also sung at this ceremony which combine vocables with lyrics. The first singers have the vocable parts while the second have lyrics. Traditional songs will also combine vocables and