Ferris Choir Will Sing Song Of Native American History

The stories of Salish tribes have been passed down for generations: the joys of a successful hunt, the encounters with European explorers.

But rarely are they told through the voices of Spokane students.

“Song of the Salish Chief,” a choral work originally commissioned for the centennial celebration of Vancouver, B.C., will be the finale at Ferris High School’s fall concert.

“This piece is ideal,” said Ferris choral director Paul Brueggemeier. “It’s totally different from anything we’ve ever done. It’s a really wonderful contrast for the kids.”

More than 100 Ferris students will perform the work, with assistance from local musicians. The free concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5 in the Ferris Auditorium.

The piece includes five movements which tell stories of a chief from the time he was a boy, watching the ways of his father, up until the demise of his nation due to settlers.

Interspersed with the music, a narrator tells the story.

“The idea is to do the most authentic job we can,” Brueggemeier said.

But to be truly convincing would require a few history lessons.

“So many of the kids - and myself too - just don’t understand the culture behind the Native American music,” said Brueggemeier. “When I do European music, I can pretty much explain the background.”

So Tuesday, the class met Loren Swan, the Coeur D’Alene tribal member who will act as narrator at the concert.

He talked with the choir during their lunch hour about his flute-making, Native American culture and the upcoming show.

He showed them the eight stages of flutemaking, evolving from a block of wood to a delicate instrument.

“It’s a lot of sandpaper from here to there,” he said. “Then they each get their own personalities, their own souls.”

He told them how he first got interested in his native heritage, after being sent to a Native American school in Oklahoma.

“I started going to powwows and learning about the native dress and music,” he said. “Being a Native American’s been a great adventure for me.”

The choir gave Swan a preview of the concert, performing three movements for him.

“They sound great,” he said, keeping time with his foot. “This is great.”

The students, too, say they’re excited for the concert, a culmination of two months’ practice.

“I think the song’s pretty cool,” said Matt Rasmussen, a Ferris senior. “It tells a story if you listen to the words.”

One girl asked Swan what he planned to wear for the show.

“Probably something a lot like how I look now,” said Swan, who was wearing a traditional red and blue shirt and long braids.

“My mom makes all my clothes,” he added to appreciative laughter.

While students learned about Swan’s culture and history, they also learned sometimes a teepee is just a teepee.

Swan told the class how he won an award for a teepee he built and painted earlier this year.

What did you use to paint the tent? the class wondered. Was it natural materials? Berries?

“No, it’s exterior house paints,” Swan answered.

Cheney moves to replace Lamphere

The Cheney School District Board of Directors has approved a timeline to select a replacement for board member Dale Lamphere.

The school board accepted his resignation at its Oct. 22 meeting. Lamphere served on the board for 11 years. He could not be reached for comment on his decision to resign.

Applicants must reside within director District 4 and complete the required application packet no later than Nov. 17. The new director will complete the remainder of Lamphere’s term of office, expiring in November of 1999.

For more information on district boundaries and the application process, visit the Superintendent’s Office, 520 Fourth St., or call 235-9502.

, DataTimes