In honor of Native American music and the influences on the music community, professor Merlyn Van Regenmorter will have Grammy-award winning flutist Mary Youngblood speak to students about her flute’s inspiration in the Native American community in his World Music class.
Youngblood will be in attendance on March 23 from 9 to 10:20 a.m. in room 512 of the Music Department.
Van Regenmorter will have a question and answer assembly, for his students to address any inquiries they have.
“I have invited Mary Youngblood to attend my face-to-face World Music class,” said Van Regenmorter.
Van Regenmorter, in an email interview, commented on why he wanted Youngblood to speak in front of his students.
“I have invited her (Youngblood) to give a demonstration of Native American flute music and answer questions that the students might have regarding her instrument and its role within the Native American community…She also will provide insights into the general music industry,” said Van Regenmorter.
Youngblood will give her perspectives on young adults that may want a career as a musician and her love for the art in music.
Youngblood commented on her ideals for students that are interested in music for a career.
“Most young people have to be the whole package…I want to talk about your desires for your career. They have to work on (their) craft and finish college,” said Youngblood.
According to Youngblood, she and Van Regenmorter have lectured on campus for several years.
Youngblood has also lectured on her culture before with the Native American Student Alliance.
Youngblood will be introducing her Grammys to students where they can take photographs and ask her how it feels to be the first Native American woman to win a Grammy for “Best Native American Album.”
Youngblood is also the first Native American to win two Grammys for her albums “Beneath the Raven Moon” and “Dance with the Wind.”
However, according to Youngblood, winning a Grammy does not mean that she is wealthy.
“Grammys do not equate (to) money,” said Youngblood.
