MUSEUM WORKSHOP ON RATTLES, BIRD SONGS

Registration is now open for a workshop at the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands focused on the traditional music of local Indian groups. “Rattles and Bird Songs” is scheduled for Saturday, July 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The deadline for registration is July 19. The registration fee of $12 per person ($10 for museum association members) includes materials, lunch, and museum admission.

Bird songs recount seasons, migration, hunting, and celebrations among Indian bands in inland Southern California, including the Serrano and the Cahuilla. The songs are traditionally accompanied by gourd rattles. This workshop will be led by instructors from the museum’s education division and representatives from the San Manuel Tribal Unity and Cultural Awareness Program.

“We’ll make gourd rattles in as close to the traditional manner as we can get,” said Jolene Redvale, museum curator of education. “Then participants will decorate their rattles and learn how to use them to keep a steady rhythm. We’ll also have a pronunciation lesson and then learn the words, tune, and rhythm of a bird song.”

These activities are designed for adults and children 11 years and older; children age 7 to 10 are welcome if they have the help of an adult. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited.

The workshop is supported in part by a grant from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians as a major sponsor of the museum’s current special exhibit, “Native American Traditions: Hopi Katsinas.” For more information and to request a registration form, call (909) 307-2669 ext. 256 / TDD/TTY: (909) 792-1462. Forms are also available at the San Bernardino County Museum.

The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org or call (909) 307-2669 / TDD/TTY: (909) 792-1462.. “Native American Traditions: Hopi Katsinas” continues through September 12.