hobbs49

On a lark, I went to the Northern Singing forum yesterday; the first time in a very long time. I was struck by the amount of activity there, especially when compared to the Southern Singing forum.

I've also noticed that at the powwows I've been to in my life, there are generally more northern singers than southern singers (or drum groups). I default to singers since the southern way with it's big drum makes the comparison of drum groups moot sometimes.

I've sung and/or danced from SoCal to NC, Michigan to OK and found that with the exception of maybe OK and MO, this Northern slant is true.

Does anyone have any facts or theories that might explain why there is more activity around northern singing? I've been wondering about this for a while now.

Thanks!

WhoMe

True southern singing comes out of one state and has been adopted by other states (with the exception of Nebraska).

Almost every state and province that touches the US/Canadian border is involved with northern singing.


Do you see the comparison?

__________________
"Today, recognizing and respecting the origins of powwow aids in our Cultural Survival. If enough people break the rules because they are not satisfied...."We will have no culture."

WhoMe

hobbs49

WhoMe,

I do see the comparison. But how does that explain what I see now in NC and VA where there is adoption of both northern and southern singing is required? I again see more northern style dances, dancers, and drums here.

Maybe it is still the same numbers game, more people in the border states who move to places in the south than people who move from OK to wherever.

As always, thanks for the thoughts.

WhoMe

You're on the right track.

Also, there are other states that northern singing is indigenous to - other than those that touch the Canadian border.

__________________
"Today, recognizing and respecting the origins of powwow aids in our Cultural Survival. If enough people break the rules because they are not satisfied...."We will have no culture."

WhoMe