Drums, rattles, and other percussion instruments are well-known sources of musical accompaniment connected to Native American music. Flutes were one of the first melodic instruments developed by North American Indigenous peoples. In addition, there are a variety of other traditional instruments, including fiddles and harps, that certain tribes perfected over generations. We’ll hear about some of the ways Native Americans have been making music over the years, and some of the ways they’re being incorporated in contemporary compositions.

GUESTS

Andrew Weaver (Yup’ik), program coordinator for the Alaska Native Heritage Center

Bennett Wakayuta (Hualapai and Hopi), artist

William Rodriguez (Taino), owner of Archaic Roots and Indigenous instruments specialist

Shawn Yacavone, owner of Ukulele Friend and co-chair of the Hawaiian Music Archives at Hawaii State Archives

Break 1 Music: Anasazi Sun (song) Injunuity (artist) Fight For Survival (album)

Break 2 Music: Burn A Smudge (song) Trent Agecoutay (artist) Uncle Trent and Friends (album)