We Believe: Faith, Community, and the Holy Act of Singing

The first known published music by a Native American composer, "Indian Melodies" (1845) by Thomas Commuck is a collection of 120 hymn tunes. The presentation will include Commuck’s story as a Narragansett Indian, a Christian and a member of the Brothertown Indians, descendants of several New England native tribes who formed a new community. Ten of Commuck’s tunes will be introduced, some with appropriate historic texts, and some with contemporary words. We’ll discuss the style of the music, the role of Thomas Hastings as editor, and the potential of Commuck’s tunes for church use, and as inspiration for arrangers and composers.