"Sharing
The Gift is a well written, straight forward presentation of
Lakota music, not only about its structure but also about its
application within the culture. It is informative as well as
educational, and it is easy to read. Designed for those with
little or no knowledge of Lakota music, the reader will have
a good foundation for appreciating the music once read completely.
I recommend this text for the classroom of any level of education
as an introductory course."
Howard Bad Hand
Lakota singer, composer and songkeeper
Widely recognized lecturer and teacher
"--- within the Lakota heart a universe is concealed. Music
is a doorway into that universe. Herein Dr. Theisz and associates
offer tools and insights that will provide students with the
means to explore that universe and penetrate its mysteries.
This work goes far to realize a personal dream of mine that
the richness of the Lakota heritage will be more appreciated
and that the visions, hopes, and dreams of the people, past
and present, as expressed through music, will live! Hecel, oyate
ki nipikte!"
Kevin Locke
Traditional Lakota flute player and teacher
Professional recording artist
"Based on many
years of study and performance of Lakota music, Theisz’s
Sharing the Gift of Lakota Song presents a succinct and insightful
introduction to Lakota secular music, designed especially for
classroom use. The book and accompanying CD provide a rich variety
of native voices and are valuable resources for the study of
Lakota song and musical genres."
Dr. Raymond J. DeMallie
Director, American Indian Studies Research Institute
Indiana University, Bloomington
"Through this book and the accompanying sound track, several
of the preeminent Lakota singers of the past half century tell
their own stories about their lives and roles as composers,
singers and caretakers of their songs and their musical traditions.
Dr. Theisz’s commentary and analysis provide valuable
insight from the perspective of an insider who is both a credentialed
scholar and an accomplished singer, and who has been a participant
in these traditions for over four decades. All students of Lakota
music, whether newcomers or veterans, will find this to be a
book they can learn from and enjoy."
Tom Teegarden
CEO of Acoma Enterprises
Widely recognized Lakota singer and composer
