It is a Red River Cart or some would know it as the Metis Cart. The Red River cart was a mode of transportation used by Métis people in the Prairies during the settlement of the West in the mid- to late-1800s to carry loads across distances. The name of the cart derives from the Red River, along which the Red River Colony (1812–70), inhabited mainly by Métis peoples, was settled. The Métis had their own Michif words for the cart, including aen wagon and aen charet.
Who is the Metis nation?
"The Metis nation and culture began when the early European fur traders and First Nations created families to form new Indigenous communities. There are stories of Metis using their small horses for logging and for pulling sleds as their communities moved from season to season. Then later on, they started to use the Red River carts with their big wheels. But wherever the Metis traveled, there was music and dancing." - Alison Cox, Elder
The Metis Cart is a medley of two songs. The first is Ants, Mosquitos, and Snowball Fricasse. It is a French Metis song that is traditionally sung to children by elders. The second is Wigwam Polka by Andy DeJarlis. The piece is high energy and joyful, capturing the spirit of the Metis music and dance.
The Metis Cart by Kevin Lau (performed by the WSO)
The Metis Cart song has a form or pattern to it. Listen the song to discover the form and patterns.
Intro A A A A A* Bridge B C B Coda
(Ants, Mosquitos...) (Wigwam Polka)
Here is the first song in the music. Listen for the words. What language is this? This song was traditionally sung to children by an adult.
Ants, Mosquitos, and Snowball Fricasse
Let's keep the beat as we listen to this song.
Here is the dance to the first song from the WSO recording (see above to practice with the WSO music):
Here is the second song you will hear in the WSO music.
Wigwam Polka
Identify the Major and minor melodies of this song. Listen to the music and how it changes in sound quality based on a set of notes that are used to create them. The set of notes is called a scale. One melody is minor in which the music will sound dark and maybe a bit sad. The Major melody will sound bright and happy.
GAME: sit down with the music is minor sounding and stand up with the music is Major.
Play this game. Can you identify if it's Major or minor?
Our Divisional Children's Choir led by Mrs. Neufeld at Westwood Collegiate is auditioning Gr. 4/5 students for this honour choir next week (May 25, 26, 27 & 31). Students interested can see Ms. Rempel for more info but parents have to sign their child up for the audition and fill out this online form
❖Warm up exercises (to
determine range and vocal consistency throughout the range)
❖Melodic sing-backs (echoing)
❖Singing a prepared selection
of your OWN CHOICE or “O Canada” either with the piano or a capella. I want to
hear your voice and see your style/energy. I am looking for quality
performances with evidence of preparation.
OR
A choir song we are working (for Rockin' Robin, just do verse 1 and chorus)
OR
Music Alone Shall Live (sing in higher register)
❖Singing the canon “Row, Row,
Row Your Boat”, “Freres Jacques” or “To Stop the Train" to determine voice
independence.
❖Please be sure the online
form is completed prior to attending your audition.
