Listen Along
Here you will find MP3 audio tracks of the Lakota Drum from North America. Click on the link to play the track to share with your class now, or right click on the link and choose “save as” to save the track to your own computer and share with your class later.
- Regular beat performed by six singers from the Northern Plains Indians “Grass Dance Theme Song,” or “Omaha,” is danced primarily for enjoyment. It is sung with high vocal tension, has the form AA’ BCB’ C’ and ends with five hard beats. This was recorded in 1975 by the Los Angeles Northern Singers (from a CD titled Powwow Songs – Music of the Plains Indians, produced by Charlotte Heth for the Musical Heritage Society, Inc. on ARC Music 5166949, track #6)
- Heartbeat rhythm performed by thirteen singers from the Southern Plains “Round Dance” is a song that gives everyone, even visitors, a chance to participate. The group’s enthusiasm generates spirited shouts and enjoyment. This was recorded in 1975 at the sixth annual Kihekah Steh Powwow, Skiatook, in Oklahoma (from ARC Music 5166949, track #4)
Play Along
Here you will find MP3 audio tracks of the Lakota Drum from North America. Click on the link to play the track to share with your class now, or right click on the link and choose “save as” to save the track to your own computer and share with your class later.
| Audio Track | Time |
|---|---|
| Regular beat | 0:39 |
| Honor beat/ parade beat | 0:38 |
| Two beat/ round dance | 0:34 |
| Combination rolling beat and fast regular beat | 0:39 |
| Lakota drum – lead drummer’s signal | 0:19 |
Resources
Download a PDF of the Audio Content Notes to Roots of Rhythms lessons 1 through 10.
View more resources—CDs, DVDs, and websites—for each instrument.