Navajo Music and Way of Life Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Navajo Music and Way of Life - Essay Example Traditionally, Navajo music was composed of male falsetto, yells, and percussion, but due to western influence, the situation has changed; as there is an integration of modernity into Navajo music. Navajo music has evolved tremendously to be where it is today. Traditionally, one could listen to a performance and forget it ever happened, as recording and storage of music were not known then. However, in the modern age, one can have a recorded performance and as well create stored samples of it for future reference. This has provided avenues for selling off the Navajo music, and the fans having an easier way of reviving their musical memories. In the activities of music, there are two parties that are the performers and listeners. In the performer's section, there are singers, dancers and those playing various musical instruments such as drums and flutes. Various bands are also formed depending on the ceremonies the songs are to be sung; which in most cases are the ritual ceremonies. T he Navajo music is also unique in its own way, being that anyone is free to attend the various musical concerts; except for those requiring membership of strictly men or women of the Navajo community, such as ritual songs. On social organization, blues celebrities were considered of low-status in the society when they arose. However, upon gaining popularity abroad, they gained respect and had a high social status. This enabled them to sell their music better and gain higher chances of playing at concerts.