LSS

How many of you had prior experiences w/ a Northern Drum?

Did it help? Could you specifically pin-point something that helped the most?

With "green" guys coming onto the scene, what kinds of things work for them?

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To get a true picture of your purpose in life, you only get the whole picture when you listen with your mind, your ears and your heart. This way The Creator has a direct connection with you and only you...no outside interference.

When you follow the will of IT that created you, understanding that your purpose is not for you...but for IT and all that IT has created, there can be no wrong except failure to be obedient. Only then do we jeopardize the gifts we are given.

Its not the final destination that defines us, rather the journey taken!

hobbs49

No expeirence with a northern drum, other than listening to them

However, I'd always heard that one of the best ways to bring on new singers, especially if they haven't really been on the powwow road much is to start with songs without words as this gives the opportunity for them to focus on the rythm and structure of the songs without getting tangled in the words.

As with anything, I think that the intent of this advice is really to focus on easier songs. We all know that just because a song doesn't have words doesn't mean that it will be easy. Likewise, not all word songs are hard.

I guess that if it were my drum, I'd get the new guys focused on some of the easy songs to start out with. Then as they gain skill, familiarity, and confidence ramp them up...

Steffan Redhawk

As always, I have to disagree...

Most "greenies" can't even hold a beat, I put them on the side of the drum...

Record the songs, songs with words, at the end of the song, speak the words out, explain the meaning, and continue...

I've seen an ENTIRE drum sing the kiowa flagsong wrong (it's my favorite song)...

I know a drum who's salute is 1 full beat too early, has been since their old leader left

I know a drum who claims to be southern, but has never been taught protocol, they wear shorts, eat facing the drum, and I've actually SEEN these guys take the drum to a 49 and start drinkin around it... I don't have a problem with drinkin at a 49 (being honest, don't shoot me) but I've got a huge problem with ya'll drinkin around a drum, and claiming to be traditional, you should be beaten with a damn club.

Teach the kid how to respect the drum, teach him the protocol, and if you have your own rules, tell him not everyone does it this way... I have sang with a drum, where if you screw up, you really do buy everyone a drink... Let him know your rules...

Not everyone can sing, but most people try... If he can't sing, let him know that too....

Nothing worse than a drum full of 10 northern guys that sound like their singing thru their noses, or just can't hold a tune.

Or 10 southern guys that are so hungover they can't pitch their voice, hahaa..... So, teach him slowly, but do it well... For a starting singer, it should be an HONOR to drum on the side of the drum, and start to learn...

(Make sure he doesn't feel dumb) Alot of greenies think they can keep up, but look ever dumber when they can't...

That's my experience, take it how you see fit.


If I offended anyone other than Hobbs, I apologize, it wasn't my intention, I've been singing since I was about 7, and it's how I was taught (just stabbin atcha hobbs, good advice)

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hobbs49

Redhawk, Redhawk, Redhawk what am I gonna do with you

Actually this is GREAT advice.

I was actually assuming that LSS had already been through most of the steps regarding protocol, respect, rules, etc. But you are right on. These things MUST come 1st (IMWO). So really, I don't think that we're in disagreement at all (either respectfully or not).

LSS

I think one of the hardest things is like swimming....letting go!

I remember the first time ever sitting down at the drum....I thought "I can't muff this up!" I was more focused on everything else (which is the dynamics of our music) because I was unfamiliar with what to look/listen for and when to anticipate it.

Just keep listening!

__________________
To get a true picture of your purpose in life, you only get the whole picture when you listen with your mind, your ears and your heart. This way The Creator has a direct connection with you and only you...no outside interference.

When you follow the will of IT that created you, understanding that your purpose is not for you...but for IT and all that IT has created, there can be no wrong except failure to be obedient. Only then do we jeopardize the gifts we are given.

Its not the final destination that defines us, rather the journey taken!