Date of Award
12-2023
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)
School
Music
Committee Chair
Ellen Elder
Committee Chair School
Music
Committee Member 2
Michael Bunchman
Committee Member 2 School
Music
Committee Member 3
Edward Hafer
Committee Member 3 School
Music
Committee Member 4
Elizabeth Moak
Committee Member 4 School
Music
Committee Member 5
Douglas Rust
Committee Member 5 School
Music
Abstract
Sandpainting is an art form that exists among the Navajo and Pueblo
Indians and is valued for religious reasons due to its connection with healing ailing individuals. Originally, the sacred sandpaintings were not allowed to be used or created outside of a healing ceremony, because, similar to a musical performance, they only existed during the ritual itself.
Connor Chee (b. 1987) is a Navajo pianist and composer renowned for
fusing classical piano training with his Native American heritage. Chee composed Sandpaintings for Piano in 2021 (revised in 2022), which is based on sandpainting from Navajo culture.
This document discusses Navajo folk elements in Sandpaintings for
Piano. This document includes a brief biography of Connor Chee and an overview of his compositional style. The sandpainting ritual will be discussed as well as the use of Navajo folk elements in the piece, and how the composition is influenced by Navajo chant, culture, and life practices. Additionally, the author’s interviews with Connor Chee provide more insight regarding this work. Through this document, I hope to champion a wonderful work by a Native American composer that deserves recognition and performance.
Copyright
2023, Le Bai
Recommended Citation
bai, le, "NAVAJO FOLK ELEMENTS IN SANDPAINTINGS FOR PIANO BY CONNOR CHEE" (2023). Dissertations. 2190.
https://aquila.usm.edu/dissertations/2190