Native American Flute Music

Not all Native American music has words, though when we think of their music, we may associate it with singing. The flute is a popular instrument, and it is simple, constructed with about five or six holes. The sound is clear and haunting, and it imitates the human voice. R. Carlos Nakai is of the Navajo tribe, and he plays traditional flute. He also experiments with the flute in several other genres. This piece, "Shaman's Call" is a traditional flute song, and the flute is unaccompanied. It creates a peaceful and relaxing sound.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-DOKrlAcD0&feature=related

Native American Vocal Music

Music has been important to Native American culture for their entire existence. The Native American people use music for dancing, playing games, ceremonies, retelling history, and more. This song, "Grandpa's Teachings," sung by Jay Begaye is a traditional Navajo song. It is used for prayer and honor. There are no instruments, and his beautiful vocals give the song a somber and beautiful sound.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi1e6rvfxho&feature=related

The Drumbeat

The site I found both of these poems on has a lot of really great poetry (easy to understand as well). It's fascinating to me that almost all of the poems I read focus on one of two things: the hardships of the Native American people because of white men, or nature.

This poem, "The Drumbeat" emphasizes both of these.

http://opossumsal.homestead.com/Native/TheDrumbeat.html

"We the First People"

Here is a poem I found about the first people-- Native Americans. It describes the emotions involved with the people who "found" them and "saved" them from their culture. It expresses the pride they feel, and yet all the anger and hurt that was caused on them when white men came to these lands. Very touching poem.

http://opossumsal.homestead.com/Native/FirstPeople.html