 "INAFA
Songbook"The INAFA Songbook, Volume 1, is now available for purchase. The book contains a forward section written by R. Carlos Nakai, the Nakai TABlature finger charts for both five-hole and six-hole contemporary Native American flutes, an introduction section which contains music definitions and explanations, and 34 original songs. All of the songs are in the Nakai TABlature system. There are solos, duets, and trios. Each song was donated by an INAFA member as a means to raise funds for the organization. Therefore, songs may not be recorded, put on the Internet, or reproduced in any other format or medium, whether it be in public performance, MP3, or in print, without the written consent of the composer. No part of the book itself may be reproduced, photocopied, or put on the Internet, etc., without the written consent of the INAFA. INAFA Songbook: $15.00 (Price includes shipping/handling) Click Here for Mail-In Order Form |
 "Hymns
for the Native American Flute"RainDance Publications is pleased to introduce its newest offering, Hymns for the Native American Flute, With Inspirational Quotes and Sayings. This book is comprised of instructions on transcribing music into the R. Carlos Nakai TABlature system, TABlature charts for the five and six-hole Native American flute, biographies of the authors, and 64 hymns. The book is spiral bound. The front of the book has a clear plastic protective cover. The back is protected by a black plastic cover. A significant portion of the proceeds generated from this book’s sale will be donated to the International Native American Flute Association. Hymns for the Native American Flute: $17.95 (Price includes shipping/handling) Click Here for Mail-In Order Form |
 "Songkeepers"A Video Review, by Dr. Kathleen Joyce-Grendahl This article is taken from the International Native American Flute Association's quarterly publication, "Voice of the Wind", Volume 2, 1999. INAFA has been given the opportunity to offer this video to the retail market by Dan King of America's Flute. "Every once in a while, something manifests in a certain area of interest that truly solidifies and substantiates that discipline. Sometimes it takes decades for that "something" to appear. It is well-known by the majority of individuals dedicated to the Native American flute that the tradition nearly died out at one time. This is exemplified by the fact that there is precious little documented with regard to the flute. At least once a week I receive an e-mail or a phone call requesting assistance in locating sources about the Native American flute. My standard answer is that there is not much written about the flute, a problem that is slowly being ameliorated by the appearance of more and more books and articles on the subject. However, when compared to other areas of study and interest, sources about the Native American flute are limited. At last, there is something that gives focus to, and understanding about, the Native American flute’s origin, tradition, and history, and it has arrived in the form of a video documentary. The video is entitled Songkeepers and it is an insightful presentation of the true nature of the flute. It touches upon many aspects of the flute and is told through the Native viewpoint. The title of this film was taken from words said by Kevin Locke. He talked about the ”songkeepers” and how they keep passing on this wonderful and awe-inspiring tradition from generation to generation. They are the keepers of the tribal songs, the keepers of Native history. Seven people offer their knowledge and insight within this film: R. Carlos Nakai (Navajo-Ute), Kevin Locke (Lakota), Hawk LittleJohn (Cherokee), Tom Mauchahty-Ware (Kiowa), Dr. Richard Payne, Sonny Nevaquaya (Comanche), and Doc Tate Nevaquaya (Comanche) [in absentia]. Songkeepers, produced by Dan King (America's Flutes), is the product of a visit by King with his friend in Tucson, Ariz. During the visit, King’s friend remarked that he desired to bring together peoples of the world via his personal flute music. Upon hearing this, King thought to himself, ”I have the same desire, but through the visual arts.” Following numerous discussions with all of the featured artists, King decided to go forward with the video project. According to King, the initial vision for this documentary was to ”produce a film of cultural value to all peoples of the world, and to expose them to the rich musical heritage that is truly Native to this land now called America.” In addition, this film was envisioned to pay homage to present-day songkeepers, as well as those of the past. It was very important, states King, that this be a film devoid of the usual ”scripting” of artists. King states that he wanted to "let the performers tell us what they thought was important for the peoples of the world to know”. Once the decision was made to proceed with the project and the details of getting everyone to the locations at which they wanted to film were ironed out, the documentary was shot in June of 1998. The locations included: Old Fort, N.C.; Chimney Rock Park, N.C.; Wichita Mountains, south of Oklahoma City; Monument Valley, Ariz.; South Dakota; Moab, Utah; and New Mexico. The equipment that was used was: Beta SP, and a 35 mm motion picture camera for use in aerial footage. Songkeepers was directed by Robert Jackson, one-quarter Cherokee and three-quarters Irish in heritage, and Robert Hercules. In addition, Jackson contributed some of the preliminary questions for the artists, which were distributed to them in advance. In addition, he also played the flute in various parts of the documentary. Jackson has been in the television production business for approximately 27 years. He works for an advertising agency in Chicago for which he produces television commercials. He has won numerous awards for his production work. It should be especially noted that, as with some other people involved with this project, Jackson offered his services free of charge, taking his vacation time from work to produce this project. Jackson has a true passion for the Native American flute. He states that directing this documentary is the most fun that he has ever had. Jackson felt that it was important to do this project because there are a lot of misconceptions floating around about the Native American flute tradition with regard to its origins, history, and tradition. His goal was to clear up erroneous and hazy information, and impart an honest and real visual exploration and explanation of the flute. By doing this film he hopes that no one will ever again have to ask from where the flute came. He also adds that this documentary is truly significant because it pays respect to the elders in the oral history of the flute. All of the important flute elders got their names and stories in this film, showing the direct traceable roots that has led to what is happening today. It goes to show that this tradition lives on and on. It reveals to us that this instrument and what it represents is so strong and is such a profound part of the Peoples’ hearts that it could not be wiped out when the Europeans pushed West and sought to erase everything that was Native, from language, to religion, to social constructs. So, what exactly is embodied within this documentary? There are so many aspects of the flute revealed in this film. Amidst the fantastic scenery and awesome music are inspiring revelations from each of the artists. They share their personal views on the flute tradition and the music itself. They also discuss the origins of the flute, the flute tradition, and its initial roles amongst the various indigenous cultures. The evolution of the flute, its dying-out phase due to the white migration, and then its revival are explored. The revival of the flute is highlighted by actual film footage of Doc Tate Nevaquaya speaking and playing, a significant individual who breathed life into the flute tradition. While he is no longer with us, having passed on in 1996, his spirit is ever-present in this film. No film can be complete without a discussion of Kokopelli, and he is indeed discussed, although he is only one of the myths associated with the flute, albeit probably the most famous. In addition, the materials out of which flutes are made are discussed in detail, revealing the importance of the materials in a spiritual sense. Along these same lines, the materials out of which various cultures made their flutes is examined. Also, there is an in-depth flute-making demonstration presented by Hawk LittleJohn. He makes it look so easy!!! The wealth of information embodied within this documentary is further exemplified by the inclusion of information concerning the various song genres in which the flute was used, as well as the various utilizations of the flute within the cultures. In addition, each of the artists discusses his approach to composing songs, as well as what is in their repertoire Songkeepers is an exceptional visual and aural representation of the Native American flute’s evolution. This is achieved through the exceptional music, scenery, historical content, and compelling words and flute performances of all the artists. The deep, insightful comments from everyone in this film stir the emotions and truth within the heart and soul. To hear the true meaning of the flute and its traditions from the individuals who are living it is truly extraordinary and awesome. Songkeepers fills the void in the flute information link. It reveals the truth of what the flute was and what it is today. The ending of this film, in particular, leaves the viewer in a deep and profound silence, overwhelmed by the presence and depth of feeling that the Native American flute invokes from all who play and speak about it. R. Carlos Nakai has this to say about the video: ”The project had been started as a retrospective on the Plains indigenous flute, with specific regard to the life work of "Doc" Tate Nevaquaya whose personal statement about the Native American flute continues to be ignored by the American media and historical documentatians of the indigenous cultures of North America. But, then, what else is news? This work, I'm hoping, will contribute to the paucity of informed documentation regarding the true nature of the Native American flute and its use by the Plains tribes. While the origins of the Native American flute are still a matter of informed conjecture and/or the result of cultural influences and accommodation, the use of the flute within the Plains and Woodlands tribes is still to be honored and respected without hesitation. Primarily, the work of Dr. Richard W. Payne, of the University of Oklahoma, may be regarded as the impetus for the resurgence of the Native American flute within and without the indigenous Native culture of America. That is without question. Thus, I believe that this retrospective will serve to distinguish the archival documentation about the Native American flute." Hawk LittleJohn states the following about Songkeepers: ”I think the video was very good and I felt honored to be asked to be a part of this project. A lot of history about the Native flute has been lost. This film was made to try and preserve the knowledge that we have left. But, you can't put all those people who should be interviewed in one film. And, all of what needs to be said can't be said in 45 minutes. I also think that it's good that people who have a history with the flute were filmed, so that those who follow will be able to understand not only some of the technical and cultural aspects about the flute, but also see the passion of some individuals. It's wonderful that we have recordings and some films of Doc Tate. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we were able to see other Elders from our recent past?” Sonny Nevaquaya states the following about the video: ”I’m very honored to be asked to do this video. In the late ’50s my father, Doc Tate Nevaquaya, found the flute that started him on the path of the Native American flute’s rebirth. We speak of the legendary Kokopelli. The flute players of today will be the Kokopelli’s of the future. Songkeepers will be a record of some of today’s flutists...I am pleased to be a part of this project which is helping to carry on the legend, the tradition, and the legacy.” I wish to personally and sincerely extend congratulations to all of those individuals involved in this documentary. What you all have achieved goes beyond what words can express. Kudos!" Dr. Kathleen Joyce-Grendahl Songkeepers Video: $19.95 Shipping/Handling: $5.00 Total: $24.95 Click Here for Mail-In Order Form |
 "Ash Gray T-Shirt" INAFA logo plus "Dedicated to the preservation, appreciation, and advancement of the Native American flute" (M, Lg, X-Lg, XX-Lg) Ash Gray T-Shirt: $13.00 Shipping: $4.00 Click Here for Mail-In Order Form |
 Fancy Steel Key Chain Laser engraved with www.inafa.org and the words "International Native American Flute Association"  (Does not have INAFA logo on it) Key Chain: $5.00 Shipping: $2.00 Click Here for Mail-In Order Form |
INAFA Static Sticker (Specify Red or Blue) INAFA logo plus www.inafa.org and "International Native American Flute Association" Price: $1.00 Shipping: $.55 Click Here for Mail-In Order Form |
| All merchandise funds generated will go to help pay for the INAFA convention that was held in Taos, New Mexico. Please support the organization via your purchase, so that we may continue to have such great events in the future! We accept checks and money orders. Please send funds made payable to: INAFA |
