Sample Lesson Plan for Native American-Style Flute Making

w/ Hawk Hurst Monday: Historical and cultural overview of Native American flute playing and making, which will include Hawk sharing the traditional Cherokee legend, “The Story of the First Flute”. This session will include information regarding the political and societal implications of the use of flutes by Southeastern tribes, in the stickball game known as, “The Little Brother of War”, for courtship, and personal relaxation. Students will be shown several different styles of flutes, including Native American, Asian, European, and African, in an attempt to compare and contrast differing styles, materials used, and sound quality. Tuesday: Historical and cultural overview of the primary material used in Southeastern Native American flute making - river cane grass. Botanical information will be shared regarding the differences between river cane and Asian bamboo. Students will receive flute making instruction and begin to craft a traditional, Cherokee-style (5-hole, end blown) river cane flute.

Wednesday: Students will continue to make their flutes. Thursday: Students will finish their flutes and decorate them. Friday: Students will complete all unfinished projects. Students will receive instruction on learning to care for and to

play their instruments. Students will have an opportunity to share any thoughts and/or feelings regarding what has been learned and experienced during the residency.

www.hawkhurstflutes.com