Requirements for membership into this circle are few. While most of the players share a Native American heritage, the only true requirement is playing a Native American flute, whose manner of crafting has not changed through the centuries.
Native flutes have more than a few differences from their modern counterparts. Native flutes are composed of two grooved wooden halves. They may be cedar, pine, mahogany, walnut or any variety of woods. The grooves are carved and then the two halves are glued together. Often, they were created by the very artists who are playing them.
Circle meetings are held monthly at the Bruton Memorial Library in Plant City. They are a time for sharing experiences, musical updates, historical musical information, and, of course, playing. Young musicians like 8-year-old Keira Denehy, benefit from the circles because of their exposure to veteran musicians who are more than willing to help guide them. Then again, veteran musicians draw off the energy of each other, exploring the variances of their craft with others of national and international renown.
At the January circle, Silver Hawk showed slides of one of the oldest known flutes still in existence, a goose head flute thought to be more than 150 years old. Dating the flute is difficult because the ancient tribes kept no records. The age of the instrument, as well as the name of its tribal creator, are based on design elements, as well as stories that may have been handed down through generations of story telling.
Traditionally, these pieces of musical magic had many jobs. The flutes were used as love medicines and around campfires in lodges to bring peace to the end of a long day. They were often coupled with drums, whistles and rattles, as well as dancing and singing.
The circle is home to more than just musicians. The circle is home to truly gifted artists. They are artists in a way few metal flutists or visual artists may ever be able to understand. For most artists do not make their own instruments. And many of these artists, calling on their Native American heritage, believe they come from the Creator’s earth and, in turn, create their own praise to their beliefs and those that have gone before them. To them, the circle of joy continues into infinity.
Call the Bruton Memorial Library- 757-9215 or Silver Hawk at 763-2118 for circle dates and times.