By: Talia Soublet

If you missed the Wind and Jazz Ensembles’ first fall performance, Soaring, an evening of music celebrating flight, don’t worry—there’s another opportunity coming soon. On December 4 at 7:30 p.m., PSC’s Wind and Jazz Ensembles will return to the stage for Tribal Tales, a performance designed to immerse the audience in the culture, stories, and musical traditions of Native American communities. This concert isn’t just meant to entertain; it’s intended to introduce the audience to music that carries history, meaning, and emotion that has been passed down through generations.

Tribal Tales introduces listeners to a range of Indigenous music, including pieces from tribes such as the Cherokee. The concert will feature works like the Cherokee Morning Song “Wendeyaho,” “Ikwas (We Sing),” and “Woue No Yianme (Song of Rejoicing).” These songs all have their own stories, whether they are meant for welcoming the morning, celebrating unity, or expressing joy. Each piece carries its own legend or historical meaning, giving the audience more than sound, giving them stories they can walk away with. The performance will also highlight the histories of figures such as Ostenaco, an 18th-century Cherokee leader and warrior, along with narratives from other Indigenous groups whose traditions play a key role in the music.

I had the opportunity to speak with Doug Holsworth, the Director of Bands, as well as several ensemble members, to get a behind-the-scenes look at their preparation. Holsworth explained that his inspiration for Tribal Tales developed from the idea that the performance would take place near the end of Native American National Heritage Month. This month recognizes the culture, history, and contributions of Indigenous people, so the timing made it meaningful for the ensemble to honor that through music. While researching, Holsworth discovered several musical works in the PSC library that aligned with his vision. Once he found those pieces, he felt like the concept finally clicked. By mid-October, he began shaping the program and bringing the idea to life in rehearsals.

When listening to the students, one shared that a challenge they faced was adjusting to playing together. Many of them are used to practicing alone, so matching timing, blending their sound, and trusting each other took some work. They described moments of frustration but said that with teamwork, practice, and patience, they improved with every rehearsal. They also mentioned that it felt really rewarding when their mistakes started turning into progress. Seeing the ensemble become more confident and connected was encouraging not only for them but for Holsworth as well. He watched them go from uncertain to unified, which made the entire process even more meaningful.

The performance will also feature traditional instruments and sounds inspired by Indigenous cultures. The flute, for example, plays a significant role in Native American music and has been incorporated into the performance to reflect authenticity. Other musical elements were chosen to stay true to the original styles and traditions the songs came from. Across all the selections, the goal is to honor the cultural context of the music; whether through melodies, stories, rhythms, or ceremonial tone, the ensemble aims to recreate it onstage.

Audience members can expect a performance that’s meaningful, respectful, and full of storytelling. Tribal Tales aims to honor Indigenous culture through music, history, and connection. And the best part? It’s free and open to the public. If you want to experience something powerful, unique, and full of emotion, this performance is definitely worth attending.