Chapter 2
San Ildefonso Indians of New Mexico
Eagle Dance
Chapter at a Glance
Listen to This First
Texture: Monophony
Free Versus Metered Rhythm
Melodic Contour
Historical Context: The Powwow
Form: ABA
Chapter Objectives
After reading the chapter and listening to the work, students should be able to:
2.2 Describe the use of monophony in Native American chant.
2.4 Define vocables.
2.6 Identify ABA form in the Eagle Dance.
2.7 Identify the terraced downward contour of each melodic phrase in San Ildefonso
Indians of New Mexico: Eagle Dance.
Key Concepts
monophony, free vs metered rhythm, vocables, melodic contour
Chapter Highlight: Monophonic Chant Around the World
Chapter Summary
The context that most of us have for chant is Gregorian chant, or the sort of music
studied in Chapter 1. Chapter 2 illustrates that chant is an important part of sacred
rituals in other traditions around the world. Here we examine a chant associated with a
Listening Guide
The Listening Guide for Chapter 2 focuses on form, rhythm, and melody. The vocables
heard in the excerpt are given as the text. Parts of the chant are not metered, and parts
MyMusicLab Resources
Automated Listening Guide: San Ildefonso Indians of New Mexico: Eagle Dance
Chapter Audio: Chapter 2
Connect Your Playlist: Vocables
Video: Omaha Nation Powwow
Flashcards
Discussion Topics and Critical Thinking Questions
1. Which musical element seems to be emphasized more than others in Eagle Dance?
2. What is the function of the drum in the chant?
3. Because the vocables are meaningless to performers, do you think that the accented
parts become more important to the singers and dancers? To the audience?
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3. Oral traditions like North American Indian chant must be learned from the original
Activities and Exercises
1. Assign class members to research drums and other Native American instruments,
especially the flutes. Share the reports with the class.
2. Investigate ceremonial Native American dancers and singers in performance.
3. Share examples of North American Indian music students gather for Expand Your
Playlist. Compare different excerpts. Are any of the examples similar to the chanting
in Eagle Dance?
Journaling Prompt
Play of