Covered in this presentation will be various Indigenous instrumentation made mostly by David himself as a traditional drum/rattle/flute builder. Participants will examine materials used in their physical construction and learn how they are operated, as well as their importance in pre- and post-colonial society. David will give examples of the above through an interactive musical performance. Depending on the level of interest and pre-existing knowledge of the participants, the origin of various rhythms and melodic scales utilized in different regions may be touched upon. David will also cite cases where outside instrumentation was adopted (often altered in use and construction) into existing Indigenous social paradigms and vice versa. Contemporary Indigenous music and what entails being a modern Indigenous working musician may also be covered if there is interest.

Registration Required. Family Program for ages 5-12.

Meet David Finkle:

Hailing from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory in southern Ontario, David Finkle is an award-winning multi-instrumental recording artist versed in many musical genres. He’s a sound engineer, traditional knowledge keeper, storyteller, drum maker, and producer. He has completed scores for various theatrical productions, documentaries and full-length features. 

David’s music ranges from traditional melodies unchanged for thousands of years, to complete live improvisation and often crafts his own traditionally made instruments himself. 

For the past 30 years, he has performed notable concerts and festivals with prominent world musicians nationally as well as internationally in areas such as North/South/Central America, the Caribbean, the high Arctic, Europe, and Africa. 

Found on gold albums and having won numerous awards, his musicianship is both instinctual as well as dogmatic, involving a deceptively deep understanding of music theory but without allowing it to stifle heartfelt compositions.