Music of Indigenous Americans

 One thing I found interesting was the native american instruments specifically the drums. The main thing I find interesting about the instruments is that they are made, and craved organically. I feel like nowadays most musical instruments can be formulated by the computer. But in making their own instruments I feel like it creates a deeper more personal connection to the material. In this video you can see the process of making an authentic native american flute. You can really see the attention to detail, and how important it is to pay attention to those details to get the best quality out of the flute.










Secondly, a thing I found interesting was how their music is all in vocables. A lot of the time when someone listens to music they often connect to that music through the words. However, in native american music most of the time there are no one words to connect to it is simply the music itself that forms the connection between it and the people. You can see in the passion on the faces of the singers that every word they are singing, though they don’t literally mean anything, means so much to them and they put their whole heart in it. 












Lastly, a thing that caught my attention was the jingle dresses, specifically the ones worn by women. I think it is very interesting how they use the dresses for not only the purpose of dancing, but with every step of dance they do because the dresses make sound they actually in a way go with the music, making the dress another instrument to the music. I also love the flamboyant look of the dresses, and how the work with each person differently. It is a unique thing that only belongs to their culture, and i feel as if it should stay that way.









Comments

  1. RonasiaSeptember 24, 2021 at 4:03 PM

    Hey Nia, I also found the way Native American’s make their own instruments to be interesting. I agree with your opinion that making their own instruments further connects them to the instruments, compared to having the instrument produced in a factory. I also find the way they make their flutes to be impressive as it takes a lot of time and attention to details to create these flutes. Secondly, I agree that Native American’s use of vocables is unique and interesting as I have not previously heard any song that has used mostly vocables as the lyrics. Since most mainstream songs are created with lyrics, I find it interesting to listen to these Native American songs that use mostly vocables. I also really enjoyed the video clip you added of the singer; I enjoy watching modern versions of Native American songs since it shows how Native Americans continue to honor the songs and musical elements of their ancestors. Lastly, I found the jingle dresses to be unique, beautiful, and practical as it also functions as an instrument.

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  2. ChanayaNovember 6, 2021 at 6:41 PM

    I love how Native Americans make their own instruments and outfits. I agree that when you make something yourself, it adds sentiment. Knowing you made it and being able to exhibit pride when it works is a very good feeling. I also like how all of their music is full of passion.

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