The pow wow, a vibrant celebration of Native American culture, is a spectacle of dance, regalia, and perhaps most importantly, song. Music is the lifeblood of the pow wow, permeating every aspect of the event and serving as a powerful link to ancestral traditions. However, not all pow wow songs are created equal. Different types of songs are sung for different pow wow events, each carefully selected and performed to honor specific occasions, individuals, or spiritual beliefs. From the stirring Grand Entry to the competitive dance contests and solemn honoring ceremonies, the songs of the pow wow are diverse in their purpose, tempo, and emotional impact.
While the vast repertoire of pow wow songs reflects a wide range of expressions, they generally adhere to a similar structural framework. This underlying structure provides a cohesive foundation for the music, allowing for variations in melody, lyrics, and performance style while maintaining a recognizable connection to tradition. Understanding this framework, along with the specific roles and responsibilities of the singers, offers a deeper appreciation for the artistry and significance of pow wow music. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of pow wow songs, exploring their structure, types, and the occasions for which they are sung. This exploration of the different types of songs are sung for different pow wow events will provide valuable insight into the cultural significance of this music.
The Drum Circle and the Lead Singer
At the heart of the pow wow’s musical landscape lies the drum circle, a group of singers who gather around a large, resonant drum to create the rhythmic foundation for the songs. The drum itself is a powerful symbol, representing the heartbeat of Mother Earth and the unity of the community. The singers, often men, strike the drum in unison, creating a steady, driving beat that propels the dancers and energizes the entire gathering.
Within the drum circle, a lead singer takes on a crucial role. This individual is responsible for selecting the songs to be sung, often based on the specific event or honoring taking place. Before initiating a song, the lead singer may strike the drum once as a signal to the dancers and other singers, alerting them that a new song is about to begin. This single strike serves as a moment of preparation, allowing everyone to focus and connect with the music before it commences.
The Structure of a Pow Wow Song
The structure of a typical pow wow song unfolds in a distinct and recognizable pattern. The lead singer initiates the song with a phrase or tune known as the "lead" or "push-up." This introductory phrase is sung solo, showcasing the lead singer’s vocal prowess and setting the melodic tone for the song.
Following the lead, the rest of the drum circle joins in, repeating the lead phrase. This repetition is referred to as the "second." The second provides harmonic support to the lead and creates a fuller, more resonant sound. It also serves to unify the singers and establish a sense of collective participation.
Next, all the singers perform the "melody" of the song, typically divided into two parts: the first part and a repetition of the first part (second part). This melodic section forms the core of the song, carrying the primary musical theme and often conveying the song’s emotional message. The repetition of the melody reinforces the musical idea and allows the dancers to connect with the rhythm and flow of the song.
A single rendition of this sequence – lead, second, first part, and second part – is also referred to as a "push-up." Announcers may request a drum to perform a certain number of push-ups, such as "four push-ups," meaning the entire sequence will be sung four times in succession. This repetition builds energy and intensity, allowing the dancers to fully immerse themselves in the music and express themselves through movement.
Types of Pow Wow Songs
Pow wow songs can be broadly categorized based on their lyrical content and the use of vocables, which are syllables without specific meaning used to carry the melody. This categorization reveals the diverse ways in which language and sound are employed in pow wow music.
-
Songs with All Words: These songs feature lyrics in a Native American language, telling stories, conveying messages, or honoring individuals or events. The words provide a direct and explicit connection to the cultural context of the song.
-
Songs with All Melody (Vocables): These songs are sung entirely with vocables, syllables such as "hey," "ya," or "ho" that do not have a specific semantic meaning. The focus is on the melody and rhythm, allowing for a more abstract and emotionally evocative expression. Vocable songs are often used for dancing, where the emphasis is on the movement and the feeling of the music rather than the literal meaning of the words.
-
Songs with Mixed Vocables and Words: These songs combine vocables and words, typically using vocables for the lead, second, and first part of the melody, and incorporating words in the second part. This blended approach allows for both abstract musical expression and direct communication of meaning.
Honor Beats and Their Significance
A distinctive feature of many pow wow songs is the inclusion of "honor beats," also known as accent beats. These are a series of four or five strong, accented beats played on the drum, typically at the end of the second push-up. The interpretation of these honor beats varies among different tribes and communities. Some believe they represent gunshots, symbolizing bravery and resilience. Others interpret each of the four beats as representing the four directions (north, south, east, and west), while the fifth beat is for Mother Earth and the Great Spirit, acknowledging the interconnectedness of all things.
Regardless of the specific interpretation, the honor beats serve as a signal to the dancers and singers, indicating that another push-up is about to begin or that the song is nearing its end. They provide a moment of heightened awareness and anticipation, preparing everyone for the next phase of the musical performance. The honor beats add a layer of depth and meaning to the songs, connecting them to the spiritual and cultural values of the Native American community.
Songs for Specific Occasions
The diverse repertoire of pow wow songs includes pieces dedicated to specific occasions, individuals, or groups. These songs play a vital role in honoring traditions, celebrating achievements, and expressing collective identity.
-
Honor Songs: These songs are sung to honor individuals for their achievements, service, or contributions to the community. They are a powerful expression of gratitude and respect, recognizing the positive impact of the honoree on the lives of others.
-
Veterans’ Songs: These songs pay tribute to Native American veterans who have served in the military. They acknowledge the sacrifices made by these individuals and honor their bravery and dedication to protecting their country.
-
War Party Songs: These songs evoke the spirit of warriors and celebrate their courage and strength. They often feature powerful rhythms and intense vocal performances, reflecting the intensity of battle.
It is important to note that while traditional songs hold a special place in pow wow culture, new songs are constantly being composed, reflecting the evolving experiences and perspectives of Native American communities. While many pre-reservation songs have been set aside, these new compositions ensure that the music remains relevant and vibrant. Some singing groups focus exclusively on performing their own original songs, while others incorporate both their own compositions and borrowed songs into their repertoire. The songs are not typically written down but are instead passed down through oral tradition, often tape-recorded and learned from the recordings by singers and dancers. This reliance on oral transmission reinforces the importance of community participation and the preservation of cultural knowledge. These different types of songs are sung for different pow wow events.
Vocal Style and Judging Criteria
Unlike popular music, where vocal sweetness and technical perfection are often prioritized, pow wow singing is judged on different criteria. The emphasis is on the range, volume, strength, and expressive quality of the voices, as well as the way the singers blend together as a group. In the Northern Plains style, the higher parts of the song are often sung in falsetto, creating a distinctive and powerful sound. The melody gains energy and rhythm as the voice descends, demonstrating the singers’ control and mastery of their vocal technique. The sound is produced in the back part of an open mouth and throat, with the volume and quality of the voice largely dependent on well-developed abdominal muscles. This technique allows for a sustained and resonant sound that carries across the pow wow grounds.
Women may sometimes join in the latter part of each rendition, singing an octave higher than the men. Women may also trill, a high-pitched sound made with the tongue, in special places in the song to indicate deep feelings such as joy, appreciation of the song, or in honor of a specific person or event. This trilling adds a unique and expressive element to the music, further enhancing its emotional impact.
The different types of songs are sung for different pow wow events, and each type is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and artistic expression of Native American communities. From the structure and performance style to the lyrics and symbolism, pow wow music offers a profound connection to tradition and a powerful means of celebrating identity and community. By understanding the nuances of this music, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the vibrant and dynamic culture of the pow wow.