ODELL BORG'S HIGH SPIRITS FLUTES BLOG Page 5 - High Spirits Flutes

7 Ways To Celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day

Posted on October 10, 2022 by Angela Ferdinardo

Today we honor and celebrate the immense contributions that Native American People have made to the world. We recognize the suffering they have endured, the resiliency they have demonstrated, the sacrifices they have made, and the beautiful culture they have shared with us. Today we stand united in support of our indigenous community, their rights, and freedom. 

Here are seven ways you can honor and celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day:

1. Support Indigenous businesses, authors, and artists.

One influential Native American poet to check out is Mark Turcotte. He is the author of four books of poetry. Read his poem titled "No Pie," in Exploding Chippewas, an emotional retelling of a mother and son heading off the reservation to purchase a slice of pie in a nearby town and the racism and heartache they faced. 

2. Learn the true history of Native Americans

Schools often teach the rose-colored version of Native Americans breaking bread with Pilgrims. Muting the suffering and genocide of the indigenous people, while depicting the culture as stoic and exploiting stereotypes. Indigenous People have an important history worth sharing and preserving through truth and integrity. Begin by searching for the truth, learning from the indigenous people and tribes around you, and exploring the stories and retellings of Native American authors, poets, and artists. 

3. Attend a virtual or in-person event 

Many colleges and community colleges host events to educate and shed light on the truth of the indigenous people and their culture. Tribal leaders and artists often share their stories, history, and discuss the impact of cultural appropriation. 

4. Learn to appreciate the land you live on

Research the indigenous history of where you live and show your appreciation by doing something kind for the environment. Give life by planting a tree that symbolizes your respect and gratitude for both the earth and Native American history. 

5. Join the fight to end racist mascots

Athletic institutions often ignore the insensitive and disturbing exploitations of indigenous people. The National Congress of American Indians sheds light on this subject while striving to end the era of harmful mascots. 

6. Share the truth with your children

There are many children's books introducing children to indigenous history and culture that they will not learn about through mainstream media and textbooks. Visit your local library or search online for children's books written by Native American authors that strive to tell the truth. 

7. Learn to play the Native American Style Flute

Native flutes have a long history beginning with the indigenous people. Native American Style Flute music provides relaxation, fosters musical creativity, and shares a musical culture rich in history and beauty. 

Shop our collections of High Spirits Flutes.

 

Musical Monday: Who is Kahlil Gibran?

Posted on October 10, 2022 by Angela Ferdinardo

 

Kahlil Gibran was considered a poet, painter, and philosopher during the Romantic movement. Although Gibran lived primarily in the United States, he was born in Bsharri, Lebanon, which at the time was considered Syra. Gibran was the most influential in Arabic literature. Gibran explored realism themes through a direct writing style that resonated with his readers. 


In 1923, Gibran’s publisher, Alfred Knopf, published Gibran’s famous book, The Prophet. Gaining popularity in the 1960s, The Prophet offered dogma-free universal spiritualism that led people away from their orthodox religion. Gibran encouraged people to be non-judgmental and open-minded. 


Gibran’s great affinity for the arts shines through his beautiful quote merging music, language, spirit, and peace. 

A Brief History Of The Native Flute

Posted on October 07, 2022 by Angela Ferdinardo

Few records exist on the history of the native flute. North American indigenous people did not have a written language pre-Columbian time but instead, preserved their history through storytelling. Many theories of the native flute begin with holes drilled into tree branches by insects or woodpeckers.   


During the nineteenth century, Plains-style flutes were believed to originate from the Northern Ute tribe. Plains-style flutes were made of wood and had a duct cut into the flute's body. There is debate over the distinction between the Plains-style and the Woodlands-style flute. Such differences include the use of a spacer plate, the flue's placement, and the mouthpiece's design. 


Unfortunately, the Federal government suppressed Native cultures, and traditional practices of making and playing the flute nearly became extinct until the 1960s. 


Today, the native flute is widely played throughout the world. Flute Circles are bringing people together of all cultures and backgrounds to appreciate the beauty and sound of the traditional native flute.

The Quote Behind The Man - Jean Paul Friedrich Richter

Posted on October 03, 2022 by Angela Ferdinardo

 Jean Paul Friedrich Richter lived from 1763 through 1825 and was one of the most influential writers of the Romanticism literary movement. However, the literary complexity of his works paired with intellectual allusions present challenges for modern readers, so his works are often left unread. Paul was well-known for his humor and the controversial writing of his time. He was often regarded as 'the poet of secular religion and humanism' by Romantic poet Eichendorff and compared to Goethe and Schiller by others. 

Paul's quote "the flute is the true magical rod that changes all it touches in the inward world; an enchanter's wand at which the secret depths of the soul open. The moonlight that shines into our hearts," can be found in his novel The Twins Walt and Vult. Combining the topics of psychology and philosophy, Paul's novel explores the concepts of identity between two non-identical twin characters. Each character represents an ambiguity that modern-day cultures have altered into their own unique adaptations. Throughout the years, Walt and Vault's characters have taken on multiple forms of appearance, sexual orientation, and ethnicity. 

Walt and Vault is one of Paul's lesser-known works compared to his more famous novels Titan and Hesperus. We hope you enjoy this beautiful quote encompassing the magic of the flute, the flute player, and the atmosphere of October as much as we do! 

Choosing Your Flute And Beginning Native Style Flute Lessons With Odell Borg

Posted on September 29, 2022 by Angela Ferdinardo

Choosing your Native American Style Flute can seem overwhelming. Once you find your perfect fit, learning to play can be difficult without direction. Odell Borg, owner and founder of High Spirits Flutes, understands the challenges beginning Native American Style Flute players face, so he has created comprehensive videos and resources designed to help you succeed in your flute playing endeavors. Mastering the Native American Style Flute is a rewarding experience, and we are excited to accompany you in your fulfilling journey!
    
Finding your perfect flute is the first step when learning how to play. Watch our Choose Your Flute video. 
    
 
      
Join Odell Borg as he instructs you on how to choose your perfect Native Style Flute. Learn proper finger placement, creating an even sound, breath control, finding the perfect melody and rhythm, and how to take care of your new flute.
    
Begin Your Flute Journey
      
Also, check out how to properly tie the fetish to ensure quality sound.
     
Congratulations and welcome to our High Spirits Flutes community! 

Shift Network Sacred Sound Healing Retreat

Posted on September 20, 2022 by Angela Ferdinardo

You're warmly invited to the Shift Networks' powerful in-person sound-healing retreat in Monterey, CA taking place December 4th-10th. 

Imagine being immersed in a full week of nourishing sound therapies that leave you feeling replenished, energized, inspired, and whole

Continue Reading →

Art Of Improvisation with Gina Luciani

Posted on November 01, 2021 by Tara Mulski

« Previous 1 3 4 5 6 7 24 Next »