The rhythmic pulse of the drum, the soaring harmonies of voices blending in ancient melodies, and the vibrant spirit of tradition converged in a resounding victory for Standing Horse, a Rapid City-based drum group. This relatively new ensemble, despite its members’ extensive individual experience, captured the coveted title of Powwow Idol in a nationwide online competition. The contest, spanning seven months, drew participation from numerous drum groups across the United States and Canada, all vying for the distinction of being the best unsigned drum group on the continent.
While the group itself had only been formally established in May of the previous year, the roots of Standing Horse ran deep, intertwining with generations of musical knowledge and cultural heritage. Whitney Rencountre, a prominent lead singer for the group, emphasized the profound significance of this win, viewing it not merely as a personal achievement but as a tribute to the lineage of singers and drummers who had paved the way.
"What this win does for us as a group," Rencountre explained, "is it’s basically a tribute to the singers that have taught us. My grandfather, Whitney Rencountre the first, taught me how to sing as a young boy, and all our singers also have teachers who taught them the importance of being a singer and the role you have to provide to your people as a singer. We carry ourselves as a drum group with those teachings in mind, so this win, as I said, pays tribute to all those singers who have carried on the tradition and have passed it down to us. It’s a celebration of them."
Rencountre, a member of the Dakota Nation, resides on the Yankton Sioux reservation, where he imparts his knowledge and passion for his culture to high school students as an Indian studies teacher. The members of Standing Horse, predominantly Lakota Sioux, share a common bond in their dedication to preserving and promoting their ancestral traditions through music.
The Powwow Idol contest, a unique platform for showcasing Indigenous musical talent, was spearheaded by DrumHop Productions, a production company specializing in high-quality recordings of powwow drum groups. Inspired by the popular "American Idol" format, the contest unfolded online at www.powwows.com, attracting a wide audience of enthusiasts and supporters.
The grand prize for the winner of the Standing Horse wins Powwow Idol contest included a remarkable opportunity to record a live CD produced by DrumHop Productions at the prestigious 2008 Red Earth Festival in Oklahoma City, where Standing Horse would serve as the host drum. This invaluable experience would provide the group with professional recording expertise and exposure to a vast audience of powwow attendees. In addition to the CD recording, Standing Horse received an invitation to perform on a powwow cruise, offering a unique and memorable performance venue. Their music was also set to be featured on a podcast at www.powwowcast.com, further expanding their reach and introducing their music to a global audience.
Beyond Rencountre, also known as "Witt," the vocal ensemble of Standing Horse boasted a diverse and talented roster of singers, including Luke Cloud (head singer), Grant Weston, Jonas Taken Alive, Jeremy Claymore, Joe Picotte, Damen Rooks, Dallas DeCory, Chris Condon, JJ Weston, Isaac Weston, Dave Lone Elk, and Austin Ducheneaux. Complementing the male singers were the female backup singers, affectionately known as the wicagdata in the Lakota language: Jessie Rencountre, Jenny Lee Rooks, Tiffany Weston, Erin Taken Alive, and Nola Claymore.
Rencountre illuminated the significance of the wicagdata, explaining that they occupy the third circle of singers, with the drum itself holding the paramount position in the first circle. The women’s voices, he emphasized, contribute immeasurably to the power and resonance of the drum, enriching the overall musical experience.
The drum, a central element of the group’s identity and performance, was meticulously crafted by Gary Middle Rider, a skilled drum-maker from Montana. Middle Rider specializes in creating drums for both performing groups and educational purposes, ensuring the preservation of traditional drum-making techniques.
The Powwow Idol contest, initiated in early August 2007, comprised ten challenging rounds, each requiring drum groups to demonstrate their versatility and expertise in various musical categories. These categories encompassed a wide range of powwow song styles, including Intertribal, Victory/Veteran Song, Fancy Shawl or Fancy Feather contest song, Northern: Crow Hop, Southern: Trot, Northern: Sneak Up, Southern: Ruffle, Trick Song, Singer’s Choice, Flag Song, Round Dance, and a final Singer’s Choice selection for the decisive round.
The drum groups recorded their renditions of these songs and submitted them to DrumHop Productions, who then posted the recordings on www.powwowidol.com, enabling the public to cast their votes. In each round, the group receiving the fewest votes faced elimination, creating a competitive and suspenseful atmosphere.
In the culminating round, Standing Horse emerged victorious over the Wind Eagle Singers of Keshena, Wisconsin, securing a decisive win with a vote of 298 to 173. This triumph solidified Standing Horse’s position as the Standing Horse wins Powwow Idol contest champion.
Standing Horse’s repertoire consists of both traditional songs passed down through generations and original compositions crafted by group members. The winning song in the final contest was penned by Luke Cloud, a prolific songwriter within the group, who frequently contributes original material that reflects the group’s unique sound and perspective.
While the members of Standing Horse were undoubtedly elated by their victory in the Powwow Idol contest, they remained grounded in the cultural traditions that underpin their music. Rencountre articulated the group’s philosophy, emphasizing the paramount importance of community and heritage.
"In mainstream society, as we all know, it’s about the individual. In our culture and belief system, the people come first. So this is a tribute to our people; this is a win for our nation. That’s how I was taught and that’s how I view it. It’s important to recognize our elders and the singers who led the way for us to do this – to take on the role of being singers and to be able to become song-makers."
The Standing Horse wins Powwow Idol contest victory provided the group with a significant platform to share their music and cultural heritage with a wider audience. Standing Horse had been slated to perform at the Denver March Powwow on March 21, offering a live showcase of their talent and artistry. Additional information about Standing Horse and opportunities to listen to their music were available at www.myspace.com/standinghorse, providing fans with a direct connection to the group and their musical journey.
The win of Standing Horse wins Powwow Idol contest was very important to them.