Native American Choral Composers 

In my service as Research Fellow for the Institute for Composer Diversity and Diversity-In-Action intern for the New York Choral Consortium, I have noticed that a growing number of choral conductors are highlighting music of Black composers and Asian composers, but many cannot name a Native American composer or piece. Also, some are under the impression that Native American choral music does not or should not exist. Of the many choral resources on my bookshelf, no Native American composers are included. Often, the only Native music that singers have ever experienced exists in the form of unison singing. In contrast, the Native composers I have spoken to are supportive of their art being presented in choral form. There is work to be done in terms of research, and in raising awareness about this type of music in the choral world. My research and forthcoming DMA document will focus on the cultural value and performance opportunities of this music.