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Celebrate drum circle music in Wisconsin: Watch ‘Re/sound’
March 26, 2025 Leave a Comment
Re/sound: Songs of Wisconsin is a collection of free-to-use educational resources for middle-grade music programs.
The project, a collaboration between PBS Wisconsin Education and the Wisconsin School Music Association, was shaped by input from educators around the state seeking authentic, culturally diverse resources. It features interviews with and performances by Wisconsin musicians, along with educator guides to support teaching with the collection.
The newest addition to the Re/sound collection highlights Native American music still celebrated today. PBS Wisconsin spoke with Nathaniel Ante and Zach Hartlev of The Mashkiiziibii Youth Singers to further discuss the significance of drum circle music and what they hope Wisconsinites take away from these videos.
Nathaniel Ante (left) and Zach Hartlev (right).
PBS Wisconsin: Can you talk about the enduring significance of drum circle music to set the scene for someone who hasn’t yet seen these Re/sound videos?
Nathaniel Ante: Drum circle music is like freedom. We’re embracing freedom of expression, freedom of religion. It’s also a testament to our nation’s resilience because it had to go into hiding and survived many generations. Drum circle music is still here today, and we’re continuing the work of our ancestors.
PBS Wisconsin: How did it feel to share the music in this format?
Zach Hartlev: A blessing. It’s utilizing the tools that we have today to get the word out that we’re still here, that we still practice what our ancestors were teaching us. Modern technology offers this information to people, and they don’t have to be at the same place at a specific time.
It’s an honor to be able to do that. To share that information.
Ante: It felt really good to be recognized as somebody who continues to carry on this kind of a niche part of our culture.
PBS Wisconsin: What do you hope students and teachers in the state will take away from these videos?
Ante: My hope for students and teachers seeing these videos is that [they will see] drum music is still here. It’s still relevant, and it’s very much a part of the Bad River community and surrounding Native communities.
Access the ‘Re/sound’ interview and performance videos from the Mashkiibiizii Youth Singers at pbswisconsineducation.org/musician/mashkiiziibii-youth-singers.
abdessamed gtumsila says:
Thank you, Tara Lovdahl! A great article highlighting the importance of drum music and its cultural role.