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More than just music...
- as five-fingered humans...
- we are all the same......
Douglas Spotted Eagle is not only part of the Voices of Native America Tour, he is also an accomplished author, composer, and teacher. When he is not touring, or even while on tour, Spot never fails to take time out for meeting with children in their classrooms. He is involved with child abuse prevention organizations, and has been a national spokesperson for Straighttalkers USA, an anti-drug and substance abuse program for teens.
Topics include:
- "7 Directions...walk in balance" (Stand at the Center)
- Music as an alternative to Substances (I want a new drug!)
- "GOD IS THE COLOR OF WATER"
- "As 5-fingered Humans, We are all the Same.." (anti-racism message)
- "Traditional Values VS Contemporary Compromise"
- Douglas has been a presenter at several drug and alcohol alternative projects, particularly those offered by Teen Institute programs around the East. West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, are all favorite areas to which Douglas returns each year. Spot has also presented at several colleges and high schools across the nation, including University of Utah, Defiance College (Defiance, OH) Marquette University (MKE, WI) Broward Community College (Ft.Lauderdale, FL) and dozens of others. Spot feels that music, and it's surrounding influences may be used as an alternative to drugs and alcohol. His presentations are to the point, refreshingly honest, and not always couched in what most would consider 'politically correct' terms. "Teens need straight talk, not 'touchy-feely' words that don't cut to the heart of the matter". Spot has worked with teens ranging in social levels from leadership level kids to incarcerated felony offenders.
- Using drums and other indigenous instruments in the hands of workshop attendees, Douglas teaches how music can express emotions in a variety of ways. He also uses the drums to teach the importance of understanding non-verbal communication, and learning better non-verbal communication skills.
- "Racial prejudice is a pigment of the imagination." -- Graffito, Greenwich 1980
- "As 5-fingered Humans, We are all the Same.." (anti-racism message)
Douglas also has a presentation series that discusses the dangers and ignorance of racism, using musical instruments in the hands of audience members. Seminar attendees play drums along with Spot, and learn that different rhythms do go together. Using the flute as a tool to demonstrate the various views on the world that all people have, Spot demonstrates that reality is perceived differently by all peoples, and that no viewpoint is without merit. He also makes available classroom presentations on Native American music, and provides a Native American flute program as an alternative to other wind-instrument programs provided at the elementary school level. There are also flutes available at a very low cost to schools in addition to an instructional video teaching Native flute skills to elementary level students. Handouts/printed materials are available.
Traditional Values VS Contemporary Compromise
This is a presentation for Native and non-Native alike, demonstrating the differences in cultures, and how each culture may benefit from the other. Demonstrations based around how for example, non-Native culture often views time as an enemy, while Native people tend to see time as a benefactor, how non-Native cultures tend to view aging as a detriment, while Native culture generally reveres Elders and the things they have to teach us. This presentation also discusses the cycles of life, the boundary process for teens, and values of various cultures across the continent. Handouts are available.
In addition to these programs, Douglas also visits schools for handicapped and challenged children providing musical instruments for an hour of fun, and team work. Helping children release energies via the use of drums, shakers, and other percussion instruments, Spot truly gets a kick out of working with the youth. Children from all over the country send him letters, photos, and small gifts to show how they enjoy time with him as well. One group of students in Massachusetts made a music video about their school, using Spot's music as a backdrop throughout the project.
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Spot is available as a Solo Artist, outside of the regular Spotted Eagle tour, and Voices of Native America Tour. Solo presentations consist of solo flute, and occasional background pieces of music with flute played over them. Solo concerts are very intimate, and best suited for groups of less than 500-600 people. One solo performance in Maine was enjoyed by candlelight and small speakers hidden in floral arrangements, creating a very personal atmosphere.
Douglas also tours with a 5 piece group, performing songs from his various records. This group is substantially different in sound from the "Voices of Native America" tour, being very energetic. They've set attendance records at festivals around the country. "Indian Summer" in Milwaukee, WI has brought Spot and the band back each year for 6 years, with Douglas outdrawing much bigger name acts that have preceded his performances.
- Costs of these performances vary, depending on distance traveled, and availability. Spot prefers that any performance for the benefit of Native children be a priority. Whenever he is on tour, schools are invited to contact him regarding presentations in the schools.
- Contact Native Restoration for Solo performances and band performances.
Contact Lonn Entertainment for band and Voices of Native America Performances. (educators are invited to make contact here)
