It was musical old meets musical older at the People’s Center

By B.L. Azure

The baroque musical group did their part of the musical exchange at the People’s Center. (B.L. Azure photo)

PABLO — Music is the international language. More so, according to Jean Morrison, treasurer of the Sanders County Arts Council, it is the international language of human friendship, cultural understanding and peace. Morrison and a group of baroque musicians stopped by the People’s Center last week prior to the opening of the annual Baroque Music Festival in Sanders County to promote cultural understanding establish bonds of friendship with a musical exchange.

“I feel the problems we’re having in the world today are because we don’t understand each other’s cultures,” Morrison said. The annual Baroque Music Festival features musicians from throughout the world and many of them expressed interest in American Indians and their music.

“We thought it would be nice to have a musical cultural exchange with the People’s Center and the Native people of the Flathead Reservation,” Morrison said. The event was precursor to the 5th annual Montana Baroque Music Festival at Quinn’s Hot Springs near Paradise. “Every year we collaborate with the owners of Quinn’s, they provide the venue and rooms, and the Sanders County Arts Council provides the music.”

Last week it was the People’s Center that provided the venue and the welcome mat as well as the Native Heart Drum group comprised of Salish, Kootenai, Cherokee and Blackfeet tribal members. There were also dancers on hand who performed various types of Indian dancing styles. Traditional Indian flautist James Bigcrane also performed.

Baroque music is very old but it is just a babe in the woods when it comes to American Indian drumming and singing, said Gary Funk, choral director at the University of Montana. Baroque music is generally described as the musical style developed during the 150-year span from 1600 and 1750 and played by composers such as Bach, Handel and Vivaldi.

“We look at the United States and think of it as relatively young and look at the baroque music played in the 1600s and think of it as old,” Funk said “But listen to the music of the drum and this flute and think about how many centuries ago this was played here; it’s ancient, just ancient.”

The Native Heart Drum entertained members of the baroque musical group and the public last week at the People’s Center. (B.L. Azure photo)

The baroque musicians and the public got a taste of the well-aged music of the American Indian and dancing styles when Native Heart performed. Everyone also participated in a round dance before sitting down for food, drink and conversation.

“Music is a way to communicate internationally. Historically there has always been communication through music,” Morrison said. “The universal language that is music opens doors of cultural understanding and friendship. When we understand, appreciate and respect each other it promotes peaceful coexistence. That is why we are here at the People’s Center. We’ve come today to listen to the Indian musical expression. When we leave we will have a better understanding of the Indian culture.”

Marie Torosian, People’s Center education director said she appreciates Morrison’s efforts to promote cultural exchange between the baroque musicians and their entourage and the People’s Center, et al. Torosian also gave Aggie Incashola of Two Eagle credit for tying all the loose ends to ensure a successful first-time ever event.

“This is something we’d definitely like to do again,” Torosian said. And she added, like some things it would be better the second time around.