Music of the United States and Canada

Three Traditions

Music in North America directly reflects the diverse population of the region.

European, African and Native American traditions are the major influences that have made strong contributions to the music of the region.

Native American Music

• Native Americans developed a strong musical tradition– Over thousands of

years– Strong ties to

spirituality and reverence

– A part of everyday life• Hunting, waging war,

planting, harvesting, calling for rain, celebrating births and funerals, and other social activities

Common Characteristics

– Singers usually perform in groups rather than solo

– One or more drums and shakers, rattles and bells

– Songs often tell stories about animals, gods and sacred places

– Use of “vocables”-vowel sounds with no meaning

“Hopi Comanche Dance” #3

• By Roger Mase and the Second Mesa

1. In addition to the drum, what other instruments do you hear?

Nearly Lost

• Much of the music was lost when Europeans arrived

• Intertribal powwows have helped to revive interest in many Native American traditions

“The Land of Enchantment” #4

• By: Cornel Pewewardy

1. List some words that describe the mood of this song

European Influences

• Brought instruments and music styles from their homelands– Fiddles, accordians

• Harmony-the playing of more than one note at the same time-comes from European influences

• Folk songs told of daily concerns– English and Scottish

influences• French Acadians became

“cajuns” of Louisiana– 2-steps and waltzes– Zydeco

• Spanish and German influences in Texas – Norteño , Tex-Mex, Tejano

Country Music

• Settlers in Appalachia first sang in a tense, high pitched style

• Fiddles, with their portability became the most used instrument at dances

• Style has continued to expand with electrical instruments and modern innovations

“Think of Me” (Jongle A Moi) #1

• By Michael Doucet & BeauSoleil

1. Of all the instruments which is the most prominent?

2. Is this a Waltz (3 Beats) or two-step (2 beats)?

“Gladys Ridge” #6

• By: James Keelaghan1. There are two musical

elements that repeat several times in this song. One is the plucked melody that begins the song. What is the other?

2. What effect do repetitive elements have on the listener?

African Roots

• Enslaved Africans brought a culture rich in music, song and dance

• Although plantation owners tried to suppress, the enslaved Africans managed to keep the traditions alive– improvisation– syncopation – call-and-response

• Blues, Gospel, Ragtime and other Jazz forms

• Rock and Roll is a blend of Country and R & B

“In the Darkest Hour” #5

• By: Nappy Brown

1. After each line is sung by the singer, which instrument plays a response?

2. What kind of an effect does this have on the song?