First Nations Composer Initiative

Young Composers Show their Stuff...FNCI Grant OpportunitiesThe First Nations Composer Initiative has this crazy idea that kids, Native kids, can compose and perform music that most of us would never consider, well “Indian.” Simply put, the FNCI nurtures the development of Indigenous musicians and composers, redefining the boundaries of what most think of as “Indian” music. One program, funded by the Joyce Foundation, offers composition classes to Native high school students who later have their work performed by the local symphony orchestra.

Take nine minutes today to watch the following video filmed earlier this spring. Classical music created by Indian kids. Maybe it’s not what you’ve come to expect, but it’s beautiful. And Native. And that’s the entire point....