Newsletter No. 13 – The Multicultural Music Group

NOVEMBER 2023

THE TREBLE CLEF

The Multicultural Music Group Newsletter

NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH An issue celebrating the original inhabitants of this land.

FEATURING Special pieces about powwows and composer Brent Michael Davids.

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Editor’s Note Dear Readers, Native American Heritage Month observed annually in November, stands as a testament to the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of the Indigenous peoples of the United States. This month-long celebration provides an opportunity for reflection, education, and recognition of the resilience and enduring spirit of Native American communities as the original inhabitants of this land that we reside in and create from.

The journey towards establishing Native American Heritage Month began in the early 20th century when Red Fox James, a Blackfoot Indian, embarked on a cross-country journey to advocate for the recognition of Native American contributions. His efforts gained momentum, and in 1915, the annual American Indian Day was declared by the governor of New York. Over the following decades, various states observed similar days, but it wasn't until 1990 that the month-long recognition was officially signed into law by President George H.W. Bush.

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At The Multicultural Music Group, Inc., we recognize the power of music as a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries.

Our commitment to fostering inclusivity and celebrating diversity has been at the forefront of our mission. As advocates for cultural preservation, we stand with Native Americans and the original inhabitants of any land, anywhere.

In this number, we highlight two original articles by Leilah I. Ramos Arroyo, who delves into the transformative power of powwows and the invaluable cultural experiences they offer. The article explores the significance of powwows as vibrant celebrations that not only showcase indigenous traditions through dance, music, and art but also serve as communal gatherings fostering unity and pride.

Ramos Arroyo also spotlights the remarkable contributions of Brent Michael Davids, a distinguished Native American composer and flutist. Through an insightful biographical piece, she explores Davids' artistic journey, highlighting the profound impact of his music in bridging cultural gaps and promoting a deeper understanding of Native American heritage.

We hope that you enjoy this special number as we continue to champion the cause of cultural diversity by creating a world where the melodies of every culture are heard and celebrated.

In solidarity, Wilfredo José Burgos Matos Community Outreach Coordinator

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The Power of Powwows

By Leilah Ramos Arroyo Powwows are vibrant and culturally rich gatherings that celebrate the traditions, spirituality, and unity of Indigenous peoples across North America. Central to these gatherings are the captivating Powwow dances and the rhythmic beats of the accompanying music. Powwow dance and music play essential roles in preserving Native American cultures and fostering a sense of community while also offering a window into the deep history and strength of Indigenous peoples.

Powwow dances are more than just physical movements; they are expressions of cultural identity and spirituality. These dances are diverse, each having its own style, regalia, and meaning. The communal and healing aspects of these dance movements help bring Natives together. A gathering and sharing of dance and music. The dance area is set up like a circle where dancers go inside and express themselves in the center. Many dances represent healing, strength, and power.

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5 For example, the Fancy Dance, which was primarily created in the mid-20th century by the Ponca Tribe in White Eagle, Oklahoma, is a dynamic and energetic dance performed by men. Each dance tells a story, and dancers express themselves through intricate footwork and gestures, often accompanied by rhythmic chanting or songs. Dancers wear elaborate and eye-catching regalia featuring feather bustles, beadwork, and bright colors. Their footwork is fast and intricate, often involving spins, jumps, and acrobatic moves. The Fancy Dance is known for its energetic and show-like style, captivating both the audience and judges in competitive powwow settings across the United States.

The Jingle Dress Dance, created in the early 1900s by the Mille Lacs Band of the Ojibwe Tribe in Wisconsin, is a healing dance primarily performed by women. The regalia for this dance is adorned with metal cones that produce a melodic sound as the dancer moves.

This dance symbolizes hope and recovery and is performed to honor the tradition of women healers in Native American communities. The Jingle Dress Dance holds a special place in powwows, reminding everyone of the importance of physical, mental, spiritual, and communal healing.

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The heartbeat of any powwow is its music. Powwow music is a powerful and evocative force that brings people together. The songs are usually sung in Native American languages and are characterized by the use of drums, rattles, and singing in harmony. The drum is considered the heartbeat of the powwow and serves as a unifying element. The songs range from the fast and energetic "straight" songs to the slower and more melodic "round" songs. The energy and emotions these songs evoke resonate with the dancers, and they follow the rhythm and beat with great precision.

The drum, known as the powwow drum, plays a central role in the music as it takes on the role of the beat and rhythm the dancers and singers follow. It is a large, powerful instrument often made from a hollowed-out log or metal frame. What is called “The Drum” is categorized as a group of drummers who beat it in a synchronized manner, creating the rhythmic foundation of the music. The drum is not just a musical instrument but a symbol of unity and strength for the powwow community.

Powwow dance and music have deep cultural significance as they help provide a space for storytelling, passing down traditions, and strengthening the bonds of community. These traditions have been passed down through generations and have endured centuries of hardship and adversity. Powwows offer a sense of pride and resilience to Indigenous peoples, allowing them to celebrate their heritage in the face of historical trauma.

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The cultural significance of powwow dance and music extends beyond the surface performance. These expressions are deeply rooted in the spiritual and historical aspects of Indigenous cultures. Dance regalia often incorporates intricate beadwork, quillwork, and other artistic expressions that connect to ancestral traditions. The colors and symbols on regalia may carry specific meanings related to the dancers' tribal heritage and personal stories.

One of the most essential aspects of powwows is the intergenerational transmission of cultural knowledge. Elders play a critical role in teaching younger generations the customs, dances, and songs that have been passed down through the ages. This transfer of wisdom ensures the continuity of Indigenous traditions and helps young people connect with their roots while connecting with their families and peers through song and dance.

Powwow dance and music are not only vibrant and captivating expressions of Native American culture but also serve as a means of preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of Indigenous peoples.

These traditions offer a window into the past, a celebration of the present, and a path toward a stronger, more united future for Indigenous communities. Powwows are a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of Indigenous cultures and a reminder of the importance of respecting and preserving these traditions for generations to come. The diversity of dances and the heartbeat of the powwow drum continue to echo through time, reminding us of the beauty and strength of Indigenous cultures. In this celebration of dance and music, we find a deeper appreciation for the enduring traditions and the vibrant future of Native American communities.

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A BRIEF BIO Brent Michael Davids

By Leilah Ramos Arroyo Brent Michael Davids, a versatile composer with a profound passion for music, has masterfully bridged the gap between tradition and innovation in his musical career. His compositions, which has taken place in symphonies, choral works, dance, theater, and film scores, reflect not only his exceptional creativity but also his deep-rooted connection to Indigenous heritage. As an experimenter at heart, Davids has artfully blended his Mohican roots with the dynamics of non-Indigenous society, creating a rich tapestry of music that resonates across cultures.

Brent Michael Davids was born into diverse influences, hailing from the Stockbridge Munsee Community, a Native American tribe with a rich cultural heritage. Growing up, he was immersed in a family that cherished music, craftsmanship, and the values of Indigenous traditions. His father's dual roles in the telephone business and as a skilled craftsman introduced him to the world of technical precision and creative expression.

Meanwhile, his mother, a piano teacher and choral director, nurtured his early musical education, instilling in him a profound love for music and its role in storytelling.

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Davids' education began with intensive training in piano and music theory under his mother's guidance. He also explored the world of telecom and audio technology while experimenting in art as he crafted with materials like metal, glass, and crystal. These eclectic experiences would become the building blocks for his multifaceted artistic career.

His formal education took him to Northern Illinois State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music in music composition in 1981. During this time, he also initiated his exploration of designing signature quartz flutes, which was his unique contribution to the world of music. Subsequently, he pursued a Master of Music degree in music composition from Arizona State University in 1990, further deepening his understanding of composition and musical expression.

One of the defining characteristics of Brent Michael Davids' work is his fearless experimentation with musical styles. His compositions are celebrated for their innovative blending of ambient, film score elements, postmodernism, and traditional Indigenous American techniques. He often adds graphic notation into his scores, creating a harmonious fusion of visual and auditory art. This unique approach infuses his music with a rich and dCONT. iverse character, capturing the essence of both tradition and innovation.

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Davids' compositions have been in renowned venues and events, earning him recognition in the world of contemporary music. His works have been performed by acclaimed ensembles and orchestras, such as the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, and have been featured in prestigious events, including inaugural ceremonies in Moscow, Russia.

Additionally, Davids has ventured into the world of musical instrument design, creating bird calls, crystal flutes, and water-based instruments, each carrying a distinctive and evocative resonance.

Film scores have been another dimension of his creative journey. His contributions to the 2002 film "The Business of Fancydancing" and his reimagined score for the American 1920 film "The Last of the Mohicans" showcase his ability to infuse cinematic storytelling with the magic of music.

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Beyond his artistic pursuits, Brent Michael Davids is a staunch advocate for music literacy and believes that music should serve a community purpose. His commitment to preserving and promoting Indigenous musical traditions led to the establishment of the Native American Composer Apprentice Program in Arizona, where he shared his knowledge and passion with aspiring composers. Later in life, he relocated to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he founded the Composer Apprentice National Outreach Endeavor, furthering his mission to empower and educate emerging musicians. Davids' involvement in the First Nations Composer Initiative and his role as Composer-in-Residence with the Native American Composers Apprenticeship Project exemplify his dedication to nurturing Indigenous voices in the realm of music. His efforts extend beyond his artistic compositions, making a lasting impact on the broader cultural landscape.

Brent Michael Davids' artistic journey is a testament to the power of music as it bridges cultures, preserves heritage, and inspires innovation. His ability to seamlessly blend Indigenous influences with contemporary compositions has rightfully earned him a distinguished place in the world of music. With unwavering commitment to education and community engagement, he continues to inspire the next generation of composers and musicians, leaving a legacy in the world of contemporary music.

Brent Michael Davids is not only a remarkable composer but an artist who believes in the transformative potential of music to connect hearts and communities.

You can learn more about his incredible work here.

At a Glance

28+ years of service to the community.

All have NYC Boroughs been impacted by our work

MMG Orchestra

through education and cultural programming.

has been active for almost three decades with members from all over the world.

About MMG The MMG is a nonprofit organization devoted to creating and presenting new symphonic music, promoting research of hidden aspects of history, and providing direct student instruction in multicultural instrumental music. Our initiatives aim to promote global understanding, social justice awareness, and diversity in the symphonic repertoire. We strive to broaden our musical repertoire to reflect the rich diversity of our communities.

Our vision includes fair historical portraits of underrepresented communities in educational and artistic fields. We fulfill this through new music commissions by composers of color and providing professional, economically accessible programming to the public. We supplement our presentations with scholarly research and open dialogue to deepen our listening, learning, and cross-cultural experiences.

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