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Graffiti Interviews An Interview with Calvin Standing Bear
More information on Calvin Standing Bear and his music can be found at www.calvinstandingbear.org SG = Soul Graffiti
CSB: To have my music be reconized as spiritual is an
acheivement in and of it self. To have my music touch peoples' hearts
and souls in a spiritual manner (as it does) is another acheivement. However,
the greatest acheivement I could ever be involved in, would be a peace
concert, that will be instrumental in bringing about a more peaceful world. SG: WHAT IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN MUSIC AND SPIRITUALITY? CSB: For me, all my music has a spiritual component.
And, since I'm native my music also reflects spirituality through the
native prespective. I put forth traditional ideas of spirituality in my
music. Lakota peoples entire life ways were tied to their spiritual beliefs
so the connection simply has to exist. In other words to create music
from the native prespective the connection to spirituality must exist. SG: WHAT IS THE NATIVE AMERICAN PERSPECTIVE ON KINDNESS
AND COMPASSION? CSB: Prior to the invasion of the Europeans, the Lakota
people were 3 dimensional beings, (mind, body, and spirit). They had respect
and compassion for everything on mother earth. Native people have always
understood that we are all connected on this universe. They demonstrated
this idea of being connected by respecting all living things. They believed
that everything that exits on our planet has life and a spirit, and therefore
it is worthy of respect. This includes plants, animals, trees, rocks,
etc. And science will support this theory, because everything has kinetic
energy and is vibrating at a certain rate. This understanding of being
connected gave natives a profound resprect for Mother Earth. "Mitakuye Oyasin." We say these words in our
prayers or when we talk about spiritual things or speak in a sacred manner.
These words mean, "We All Are Related." The Lakota people designed
their lives both individually and collectively, with the greater design
of Wakan Tanka, The Great Mystery. Their beliefs in connectedness (circle
of life) compelled them to give respect and compassion to everything on
mother earth. SG: HOW DO YOU USE MUSIC TO TEACH A MESSAGE OF LOVE? CSB: The lyrics to my songs give messages of respect
and connectedness to mother earth and all her inhabitents. We are believers
in this circle of life. Mitakuye Oyasin, "We Are All Related".
We are compelled to love SG: HOW CAN MUSIC BE USED TO HEAL? CSB: The peaceful soothing nature of my music can create a therapeutic atmosphere. And therefor can be used as a tool for healing. One example is meditating to my music, and another is massage therapy. Also, my music can be a stepping stone toward spiritual evolvement which is in and of itself a healing experience. |
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Calvin
Standing Bear is a full-blooded Oglala/Sicangu Lakota from the Rosebud
reservation of South Dakota. He is a talented flutist of traditional Lakota
music and composer of contemporary Lakota Flute songs, which are richly
grounded in the concept of spirituality. He is a singer of both traditional
and spiritual Lakota songs. His many talents include mastery of the acoustic
guitar. Calvin is also a member of the Sonoran Spirit Flute Circle. He
comes from a wealth of very impressive ancestors. His mother is a talented
artist and has created many a craft which embody the very essence of native
influence. She is also fluent in her native language. Calvin also comes
from a line of Chiefs and one of his grandfathers is an author of many
books regarding native life. Calvin Standing Bear is known for his profound
love and respect for native culture. His music posses the ability to put
forth cultural and spiritual messages in a manner that appeals to most
audiences. 
Calvin's
music is a very effective learning tool, as he reinforces his lectures
with his music which captures the heart of young and old alike. Often
Calvin participates in traditional ceremonies. These ceremonies have been
instrumental in the development of his spirituality, for this is the native
way. Spirituality is the most important aspect of native culture and Calvin
travels to participate in the many healing circles for Lakota People or
the Tiyospaye.