Otsi’tsistó:sera: Native Plants and Planting Songs at the Carillon, Multi-media Exhibition and Open House

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The sonic/ecological exhibition Otsi’tsistó:sera takes its name from a new carillon composition by Dawn Avery, a composer of Mohawk descent, based on planting songs that Haudenosaunee women of the turtle clan sing to the seeds and plants as they grow their gardens. During this one-day “open house,” visitors may enter the carillon and experience a belfry filled with music by Indigenous women and lush with native plants in both organic and virtual forms. (Open 11am-12pm and 12:30-5pm).

Explore the ecology of local native plants and keystone species and their Indigenous significance, discover visual remnants of Michigan’s pre-logging forests, and hear Avery’s “Otsi’tsistó:sera” as well as piano performances of Beverley McKiver’s “Canadian Floral Emblems” at an on-demand listening stations. Special thanks to forest historian Hillary Pine, BA ‘11 (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians).

Artists:
Dawn Ieri’hó:kwats Avery (b. 1961)
Beverley McKiver (b. 1958)

History Consultant:
Hillary Pine, Northern Lower Peninsula Historian, Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Location: Charles Baird Carillon in Burton Memorial Tower, 10th floor. The bell chamber may be accessed via a combination of elevator and stairs. Take the elevator to the highest floor possible (floor 8), and then climb two flights of stairs (39 steps) to the bell chamber (floor 10). Ear protection will be available. The Charles Baird Carillon is not ADA accessible.

This event is open to the public as part of the 2024 University of Michigan Organ Conference / Great Lakes Regional Carillon Meeting, supported by the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance and a Fall/Winter Gatherings Grant from the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America.