The word “Powwow” is of Algonquin origin and translates to “ medicine man” and “ he who dreams”. The lyrics to the songs preformed are usually made of vocables in combination with words or musical instruments. Powwow songs typically fall into two parts. The lead singer starts the song with a high-pitched cry that tells the group which song they are to sing. The group echoes the opening phrase and then moves into the first half of the song. At the end of the song's first half, there is a slight pause; then the second half begins. When the singers have finished the song the lead singer will repeat the start (opening phrase) and the song is sung all the way through. The opening phrase of the second half is then repeated as a “tail” and the song ends with a series of distinct beats. Inter-triable songs are also sung at this ceremony which combine vocables with lyrics. The first singers have the vocable parts while the second have lyrics. Traditional songs will also combine vocables and
The word “Powwow” is of Algonquin origin and translates to “ medicine man” and “ he who dreams”. The lyrics to the songs preformed are usually made of vocables in combination with words or musical instruments. Powwow songs typically fall into two parts. The lead singer starts the song with a high-pitched cry that tells the group which song they are to sing. The group echoes the opening phrase and then moves into the first half of the song. At the end of the song's first half, there is a slight pause; then the second half begins. When the singers have finished the song the lead singer will repeat the start (opening phrase) and the song is sung all the way through. The opening phrase of the second half is then repeated as a “tail” and the song ends with a series of distinct beats. Inter-triable songs are also sung at this ceremony which combine vocables with lyrics. The first singers have the vocable parts while the second have lyrics. Traditional songs will also combine vocables and