Drums can come from a variety of sources. Some are handed down in a family; others are donated to a drum group. Older drums are made of deer, elk or horse hides, but contemporary bass drums can be purchased or renovated, and even blessed, just as are the older drums.
Music for pow-wow dance competitions and other activities is provided by a “Drum,” which is a closely knit group of singers who play a large, specially designed drum and sing traditional songs. They are also often called a Drum Group.
Different types of songs are sung for different pow wow events—Grand Entries, dance contests and honoring ceremonies. Songs are made for all reasons. Although they differ in tempo, words and emotion, pow wow songs all follow a similar structure.
The Pow Wow Announcer, Arena director and Head Dancers lead the pow wow activities and make sure the powwow runs smoothly.
Berry Creek Rancheria of Maidu Indians of California is a federally recognized Maidu tribe in Southern California.
AUTHOR: MARTHA MOONGAZER BEARD Principle people Was not a church…Was not a golden church with a high steeple, The Great Father gave his principle people, He gave us a valley with a mountain crown, Cool clear water with game all round,