New November Store Update - Celebrating Native American History!
Happy November! In honor of Native American Heritage Month, Practice Space is spotlighting five inspiring composers from Indigenous communities across North America. These talented musicians and composers—Brent Michael Davids, Raven Chacon, Louis W. Ballard, Barbara Croall, and Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate—have each woven their tribal traditions, languages, and instruments into powerful classical works. Their music invites students to experience a uniquely American perspective on classical composition, grounded in culture, identity, and land.
Each of these composers is now featured as a collectible avatar in the Practice Space store! Students can redeem them using the Practice Gems they earn by meeting daily practice goals. It’s a fun, rewarding way to stay consistent while also learning about diverse voices in music history.
To support your teaching, we’ve also put together a downloadable PDF packet filled with engaging composer profiles, flashcards, quizzes, and a word puzzle—all tailored to these November avatars. You’ll even find YouTube links to selected works by each composer, perfect for classroom listening or inspiring home practice.
This month’s avatars each come with inspiring quotes and fun facts designed to spark curiosity and conversation. As students unlock these avatars, they’ll also gain a deeper appreciation for how culture, history, and identity shape the music we hear—and the music they’ll create.
Explore the November update in the Practice Space store and join us in celebrating Native American voices in classical music!
Brent Michael Davids is a Mohican composer and flutist who blends Native American traditions with classical and film music.
Facts in app:
I built and play crystal flutes that I designed myself.
I’ve written music for movies and full orchestras.
I started a program to help young Native composers like me.
My Flute Concerto mixes traditional sounds with symphonic music.
Listen to the Chanticleer ensemble perform Davids’ The Uncovered Wagon.
The Un-Covered Wagon - YouTube
Raven Chacon is a Diné (Navajo) composer and sound artist known for making bold, imaginative music using unusual sounds and ideas.
Facts in app:
I won the Pulitzer Prize for my piece Voiceless Mass.
I use electronics, noise, and graphic drawings to create music.
I was part of a team that used sound to tell Indigenous stories.
My music explores land, culture, and identity.
Watch the world premiere of Voiceless Mass!
Voiceless Mass - YouTube
Louis Ballard was a Cherokee and Quapaw composer who brought Native rhythms and songs into classical music.
Facts in app:
People call me the first Native American classical composer.
My ballet The Four Moons honors four different tribes.
I used drums, chants, and Native stories in my music.
I wrote music books to help Native students learn and grow.
Check out this performance of the first movement of Ritmo Indio:
Louis Ballard’s Ritmo Indio - YouTube
Barbara Croall is an Odawa composer who writes music inspired by Anishinaabe stories, nature, and traditional instruments.
Facts in app:
My piece Zasakwaa means “there is a heavy frost” in my language.
I play the cedar flute and often perform my own music.
I love blending Native and classical Western instruments together.
My music connects people with the land and with each other.
Check out this performance of Zasakwaa:
Joanna G'froerer on Croall's Zasakwaa - YouTube
Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate is a Chickasaw classical composer who writes music in Native languages and celebrates Indigenous culture.
Facts in app:
My Chickasaw name means “high corncrib.”
I wrote Lowak Shoppala’, a big piece with music, dance, and narration.
I compose songs in Native languages like Chickasaw.
I love teaching and encouraging young Native musicians.
Check out this performance of Clans:
"Clans" from Lowak Shoppala', Jerod Impichcha̲achaaha' Tate - YouTube
Background Update
Some other fun additions
These all cheer the student on but also talk about tempo and other musical terms!
