Shawi' Imanompa' (Raccoon Talk)

for Solo Violin - 12'
Commissioned by Katie Lansdale.
Premiered December 8, 2019

Shawi' Impanompa' (Raccoon Talk) is a work for solo violin and audience participation. The work is based on an ancient Chickasaw Raccoon Song, which is stated in its pure form, at the beginning, in natural harmonics. The melody returns, many times, in different iterations. The entire work is a rhapsodic expression of raccoons, known as chattery troublemakers, in my tribe. Raccoon is also a formal tribal clan, of which my family belongs.

There are four textures that the audience creates, during the violin soloists playing. The soloist, or an assistant, cues the audience for each texture. The audience is encouraged to confidently fill the hall with these sounds:

1. Finger snapping. Snap with both hands, rapidly, creating a popcorn sound.
2. Whisper the words, “chatter, chatter,” over and over, creating the sound of rain or spirits talking.
3. Stomping is in a very solid and steady rhythm established by the soloist.
4. Final applause is to be loud and exiting and with yelling of the words “chatter, chatter,” over and over!