When the Holy People gave the Navajos the gift of music, they said, "We'll be in your mountains, we'll be in your songs." This collection of Navajo music and the accompanying recording is a remarkable collaboration between a university music professor and her one-time student, a traditional Navajo who teaches on the reservation. It is an in-depth examination of twelve Navajo social songs and includes rich, detailed explanations of the culture and customs that surround both contemporary and traditional Navajo music. Marilyn Help, crowned Miss Navajo in 1977, offers direct insight into what it is like to be a Navajo woman living within the challenges of a contemporary society. At the same time, she is a cultural beacon striving to pass on traditional Navajo ways to her family, students, and friends.
This book also includes explanations of traditional Navajo dance steps, notations on hand movements for selected songs, a discography, and sources for recordings and videos. Accompanied by a CD of twelve songs sung by Marilyn Help, this book is designed for people of all ages seeking to celebrate Navajo music and culture.
"I consider this book to be a treasure."--David P. McAllester, Professor Emeritus of Music and Anthropology, Wesleyan University
