On September, 23, in IGUMO & IT master class was taught by a real American Indian, a representative of the Mohican Nation, an unique musician, a born teacher. He shared with the students of IGUMO the ideals which are limitless. This meeting was a part of the programme «World Culture». The students were speaking to the foreign guest in English (in IGUMO English is studied four years) in the language of music. Who is this man that attracted so much attention to himself?

Absorbed in music

When American composers are called «native», this definition is not as true as in case with Brent Michael Davids . He is indeed a Native American, he is a representative of the Stockbridge Mohican nation of American Indians. In his music he uses the heritage of his ancestors.

In his compositions Davids uses traditional American Indian instruments and the instruments which he made up himself such as crystal flutes, the instruments which sound like chirring and whistle. He also likes singing. Even his notepad is a genuine work of art. The notes are put on an authentic manuscript with ink over the composer’s sketch.

Davids’ composer career lasts 35 years and includes the awards from ASCAP, NEA, Rockefeller Foundation, National Symphony Orchestra and other foundations and organizations.

In 2006 NEA named Davids one of the most famous composers due to the project «American masterpieces: 300 years of an artistic genius» which took place in 50 states. Brent Michael Davids found himself among 29 composers of the list of the foundation alongside Leonard Bernstein, Harry Burleigh, Stephen Foster, Libby Larsen, Chen Y and other composers.

Davids holds a B.M. degree in music composition from Northern Illinois University and an M.M. in music composition from Arizona State University. He studied at Robert Redford’s Sundance Institute and in 2003 underwent a training with the composer who created music for Stephen Warbeck’s movies (movie «Shakespeare in Love») during the work on the mini-series «The Lord of Legends». Davids is an honourable alumnus of both these institutes and he was twice nominated for CalArts Alpert Award. He wrote music for such movies as Valor's Kids, The Business of Fancy Dancing, The Silent Enemy, Bright Circle and others.

Since 2000 he made up several exclusive educational programmes. He was inspired with a desire to revive the popularity of his music among American Indian young people.

In all fairness, Davids is considered an expert in American Indian music in the whole North America.

Like most of Americans he has just begun to discover Russia. He is really glad that the American stereotype of Russians is being destroyed. He thinks that openness, friendliness and fineness of the soul are the main features of Russians’ character.

23.10.2011
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