I recently attended an MTNA webinar introducing Indigenous composers, presented by Diné composer and pianist, Connor Chee. The presentation was a sampler of the many Indigenous composer works that are available for piano pedagogy and performance, as well as works for ensemble, instrumentals, carrillons, electro-acoustic, and film scores. Utilizing the information from the webinar, I have selected a few youtube performances below and also provide a link to a website that may be used for information on Indigenous composers covering many different musical genres.
The diverse sounds and stories, their meaning as indicated by Indigenous composers and performers who can relate the particular pieces to their tribal traditions, and their overall value for performance practice and development of technique will render a very positive addition to a studio recital repertoire. Enjoy your review of the selections below.
Connor Chee, Diné pianist and composer, performing “Navajo Vocable for Piano No. 9“, “Sheep“, which has a clever video, and “Female Rain.”
Beverly McKiver, originally from Ontario, Canada, is a a member of the Lac Seul First Nation in Treaty Three. She teachers, performs, and composes music that combines Indigenous and Western Classical sounds and ideas. Her “Canadian Emblem Series” is a set of pieces dedicated to the flowers that represent each of the 10 provinces and 3 territories in Canada today. In this performance we hear “Mayflower” (Nova Scotia), “Lady Slipper” (Prince Edward Island), “Trillium” (Ontario), “Blue Flag Iris” (Quebec), and “Mountain Avens” (Northwest Territories).
Other artists you may wish to explore include: Melody McKiver, Jerod Tate, Jacqueline Wilson, Renata Yazzie, Louis Ballard, Raven Chacon, Dawn Avery, and Brent Michael Davis – for starters! For more information see: http://www.renatayazzie.com/north-american-indigenous-music-resources
donnellymusicstudio.com 