New Orleans Drumming Course: Mardi Gras Indians

Hi, and welcome to another lesson within the New Orleans drumming course. Today, we're going to talk about Mardi Gras Indians, a massive part of New Orleans culture that was likely even more prominent in the past.

Mardi Gras Indian Groups

• Each neighborhood typically has its own group or "gang," led by the Big Chief.
• They spend all year creating elaborate costumes.
• On St. Joseph's night, every year at midnight, they come together.
• They perform chants, play tambourines, and sing.

The Tradition of Face-offs

When they meet another gang, the two Big Chiefs will face off. In the past, these encounters could be contentious, but nowadays, there is more respect. They come together for a big meeting where they pass on the rhythms and traditions.

The Role of Music

The music for Mardi Gras Indians is vital, representing the essence of participating in this cultural tradition. Key elements include:

• Chanting: Very tribal and significant.
• Rhythmic Structure: Utilizes the first half of the clave discussed in our previous lesson (the group of three).

Tambourine in Mardi Gras Indian Music

As we've mentioned, there is a significant focus on tambourine within Mardi Gras Indian music. Here's how it comes together:

• Accent on Beat Four: Picture a large group playing together, all phrasing cohesively.
• Chants: The community might chant, "Hey, Paki way too," followed by the Big Chief responding with "Two way, pake" in a call-and-response format.
• This interaction continues for an extended period.

Playing Techniques

When playing the tambourine:

• Hand Movement: Rotate your right hand to the top and bottom of your left hand, removing it for an accent.
• Variations: There are countless ways to play, some may emphasize beat four on the second bar.
• Instruments: You can also incorporate the floor tom and cowbell, which are commonly used, creating a menacing, tribal sound.

Inverted Tambourine Technique

Another technique includes playing the tambourine inverted against the floor tom when the heads are touching.

Conclusion

This lesson serves as an introduction to the Mardi Gras Indian tradition. It's essential to focus on that clave (the group of three) played on the cowbell and floor tom, often accompanied by the tambourine.

Tip: Get a good tambourine, as mastering its sound can be tricky, but don't get discouraged! Keep practicing, and I look forward to seeing you in the next lesson.