²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵÃâ·Ñ°æapp

  • Music
  • Indigenous American

Keith Bear: Flute Maker
Explore Native American music and traditions

Musician, storyteller and flutemaker Keith Bear sheds light on the art and tradition of making flutes in the Native American tradition in this video interview.

Keith Bear: Native American Flute Traditions

Keith Bear: Native American Flute Traditions

Keith Bear (O’Mashi! Ryu Ta - “Northern Lights”), a member of the Three Affiliated Tribes in Fort Berthold, North Dakota, is a musician, storyteller and flutemaker. Bear sheds light on the art and tradition of making flutes in the Native American tradition in this series of video clips.

Viewing Strategy

As you view the video, stay focused on your purpose for viewing. Find out how Bear learned to play the flute and what role the flute plays in Native American traditions.

Before you get started, think of what you already know about Native American culture and traditions. Keep this in mind as you watch Keith Bear’s performance.

As you watch, compare and contrast the ways in which Native American music and rituals are similar to or different from those with which you are familiar.

Think About

Comprehension

  • What does Bear say the two barrel flute is like?
  • What does Bear say the three barrel flute is like?

Critical Thinking

  • In what ways is music a “spiritual expression of yourself?”
  • Why does Bear think it’s important to make flutes from wood rather than from plastic?
  • Why does Bear compare people to spiders?

Reflection

Quiz Yourself!

  • How many different flutes does Keith Bear have?
  • Who uses five hole flutes, six hole flutes and seven hole flutes?
  • What are some of the Native American traditions Bear talks about?

For the Educator

Keith Bear (O’Mashi! Ryu Ta - “Northern Lights”), a member of the Three Affiliated Tribes in Fort Berthold, North Dakota, is a musician, storyteller and flutemaker. Bear sheds light on the art and tradition of making flutes in the Native American tradition in this series of video clips.

Instructional Strategies

  • This interactive lends itself to large-group or individual listening as well as to both individual and group research..
  • Students can research the different kinds of Native American flutes, the musical traditions of various tribes, the different kinds of sounds made by various flutes and the ceremonies in which these instruments are used.
  • There are many aspects of Native American culture. Consider having a Native American festival in which the music, art and dance of various tribes are highlighted.
  • Social Studies teachers may choose to have students research the different musical traditions of different Native American tribes. This information could be presented orally in a report, visually on a map or poster or electronically in a power point presentation.
  • Social Studies teachers may also choose to focus specifically on the Northern Great Plains Indians.
  • Music teachers may choose to have students play various flutes and recorders to compare and contrast their sounds and inner workings. 

Kennedy Center Logo

  • Producer

    Kenny Neal

  • Updated

    January 6, 2020

Related Resources

Collection Indigenous Peoples of the Americas

Experience and honor cultures of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas through dance, music, literary, and visual arts. Watch Native Pride the eagle and hoop dances, trace the life of a Navajo weaver, learn how Keith Bear makes a flute, make a listening doll, and meet fancy dancers Larry and Jessup Yazzie.

  • Indigenous American

Media Andes Manta

The vibrant, energetic music of the Andes region of South America is performed in its most authentic form by Andes Manta, professional musicians and natives of the Ecuadorian Andes.

  • World Music
  • Latin America
Kennedy Center Education Digital Learning

Eric Friedman 
Director, Digital Learning

Kenny Neal 
Manager, Digital Education Resources

Tiffany A. Bryant 
Manager, Operations and Audience Engagement

JoDee Scissors 
Content Specialist, Digital Learning

Connect with us!

spacer-24px.png                email.png

Generous support for educational programs at the Kennedy Center is provided by the U.S. Department of Education.

Gifts and grants to educational programs at the Kennedy Center are provided by The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; Bank of America; Capital One; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; Carnegie Corporation of New York; The Ednah Root Foundation; Harman Family Foundation; William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust; the Kimsey Endowment; The Kiplinger Foundation; Laird Norton Family Foundation; Lois and Richard England Family Foundation; Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather; The Markow Totevy Foundation; Dr. Gerald and Paula McNichols Foundation; The Morningstar Foundation; Myra and Leura Younker Endowment Fund; The Irene Pollin Audience Development and Community Engagement Initiatives;

Prince Charitable Trusts; Dr. Deborah Rose and Dr. Jan A. J. Stolwijk; Rosemary Kennedy Education Fund; The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates; The Victory Foundation; The Volgenau Foundation; Volkswagen Group of America; Jackie Washington; GRoW @ Annenberg and Gregory Annenberg Weingarten and Family; Wells Fargo; and generous contributors to the Abe Fortas Memorial Fund and by a major gift to the fund from the late Carolyn E. Agger, widow of Abe Fortas. Additional support is provided by the National Committee for the Performing Arts..

The content of these programs may have been developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education but does not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the federal government.