Drums and Songs
Drummers / Singers are important to every pow-wow. They set up in groups around the outside of the dance floor and sing songs when called by the announcer. Each drum group has a lead singer who leads the group in drumming and starts the songs. Singers require great skill and stamina to maintain the pace and pitch of pow-wow drumming and singing. They must know a wide variety of songs for competitive and other kinds of dances.
Songs are considered to be given to Blackfoot people individually in their dreams. Songs are considered as objects, they are made of several components, but when the song is finished all the components become united. Some songs are for all people, some songs are for individuals but can be sung by other people, and some songs are kept until time of need. Music is associated closely with warfare, and most singing is done by men and much by community leaders.
Singing without drums is extremely rare and considered inappropriate. The drum to songs is rhythmically independent to the singing but in perfect unison.
Songs are considered to be given to Blackfoot people individually in their dreams. Songs are considered as objects, they are made of several components, but when the song is finished all the components become united. Some songs are for all people, some songs are for individuals but can be sung by other people, and some songs are kept until time of need. Music is associated closely with warfare, and most singing is done by men and much by community leaders.
Singing without drums is extremely rare and considered inappropriate. The drum to songs is rhythmically independent to the singing but in perfect unison.