Mission Music

Music played an important role in the relationship between the Chumash and the Franciscan missionaries of the South Coast. A key in the liturgy and ceremonies of Roman Catholicism, music was used by the padres to communicate with the indigenous peoples and to enhance their proselytizing campaign. Acculturation of the Chumash into European ways and beliefs accelerated as the natives formed choirs and instrumental groups under the watchful eyes of the padres.

Spanish explorers traveling through the South Coast took note of the musicality of the Chumash. The latter used a variety of instruments, including several types of flutes and whistles, as well as drums, rhythm sticks, and wooden clappers. One of the more unusual instruments was the bullroarer, a flat board that was swung around the head to make a low buzzing sound. Less common were single-stringed bowed instruments, one end of which was held in the mouth then plucked or tapped to produce notes.

The padres began introducing the Chumash to the music of the church by selecting boys around the age of nine whom they felt were particularly intelligent to train as singers and instrumentalists. Often taught to read and write, as well, these trainees could serve as conduits between the missionaries and the Chumash neophyte community. For the most part, the Chumash were drawn to the music of the Spanish newcomers.