Webmaster's Note: The following was taken from Mark's website with his permission. For more information on Mark and his talent, please visit his site, Mark Church Redfeather Rose Entertainment.By: Nakima Kerchee
Editor - Medicine Winds News/Sweet Home, Oregon
The sounds of flutes and drums and the voices of Native peoples echoed through the Willamette Valley on June 3-5, 2005 at NAMFEST (NATIVE AMERICAN & ARTISTS FEST) 2005 as Native American artists, flutists, musicians, and powwow dancers gathered in the little town in Oakridge, Oregon with a mission in mind.
The mission...to raise funds for an elder project, while exposing Native Americans to a wide spectrum of arts, crafts, story-telling, and music.
Among the musicians was Mohican tribal member, Mark Church. After listening to Mark's flute sing at the edge of the Willamette River in the early morning hours, while the rest of the camp still slept, we decided that here was a man worth learning more about. Visiting with Mark, we discovered he is a 20-year veteran, but prefers not to talk too much about his war experiences. His quiet demeanor and slow smile reflected the gentle notes of his music as he stood beside the dark, churning waters of the river. In the early light the only audience he needed was the occasional eagle circling overhead and Mother Earth.
"I was born and raised in Suburban America," explains Church, "The only time I spent on the REZ was summer vacations. Those times are full of wonderful memories and people. However, I never fully understood our cultural heritage. I am in the process of filling that void with some in-depth research."
Of the five flutists that preformed at NAMFEST 2005 this year, Mark's music was the most moving. As many of us sat and listened we could feel a movement of soul in his music that was lacking in others. When we inquired where Mark developed his particular style of music, his response was, "There are several Native American flutists which inspire my journey. The most influential of these was John Huling and his album 'Canyon Spirit'." Mark went on to say that this, "...made a profound impression" upon him. Mark Church also stresses how important it is to stick to the basics of Native American flute. "I attempt to stick to the basics of Native American flute in my recordings. Most tracks are left as they were recorded on the 'first take'. You hear the imperfections in these recordings; those imperfections represent humanity as a whole. We are NOT perfect."
Mark concluded the interview by saying, "This world is held together; together by each and every culture that has been imbedded into its collective. As much as I was born Mohican, with Mohican Blood in my veins, my music isn't about being Mohican, or Native American, my music is about being proud of YOUR HERITAGE no matter what it might be. It is through our different cultures and their differences that allow us to live in harmony with each other as mankind."
This is the attitude and soul that we discovered haunting Mark's melodies, this is the heart that is heard within each note, and it is the same heart that we hope his music will inspire in others. It is because of artists such as Mark Church that NAMFEST 2005 was a resounding success. We look forward to hearing Mark's music next year!
(Mohican News Editor’s Note):
Mark E. Church is an enrolled member of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican. He’s also a Native American Flutist. Church recently submitted one of his Albums/CD's to the 2005 Indian Summer Music Awards. He says he feels it’s important to let the rest of the community know that one of its members is participating in this newly established event. "I like to read the Mohican News because, way out here in Arizona, it's nice to see what's happening in the Mohican Community," said Church. Church sends his blessings and safe journeys to all.
In the letter we received with this article, Nakima Kerchee said Church drove hundreds of miles to VOLUNTEER his time and talents for this project. Prior to his arrival, they had never met in person, and she thought it was remarkable that such a talented man would come all that way "sight unseen" to help a "bunch of old people." Kerchee said, "His talent as a flutist and as a human-being brings honor and respect to himself, but moreover to his people."