Native American Flute
Department of Music
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331
Phone:541-737-4061
Fax:541-737-4268
E-mail: Reibach1@comcast.net
Current Projects:
Links:
Jan Michael Looking Wolf Reibach is a Kalapuya Native from the Grand Ronde Tribes in Oregon. He lives near the reservation and plays the native flute both in recording and ceremony, but believes it is always to be treated in a sacred way: a gift from the Creator. In 1994, Reibach suffered from a debilitating stroke as a result of a rare genetic disorder that is prone to Native Americans. After being a paraplegic for almost a year, he recovered completely. Now, he shares this powerful message of hope, healing, and unity through his flute. Every note is played from the heart, every breath a celebration of the gift of life. "I am honored to be able to share this beautiful instrument of peace and healing with you. The Native American Flute's journey reflects the plight of the native people of North America." - JMLW
He has found a great success in the music industry, resulting in 12 CDs released internationally on four Indie Record Labels and a 2007 Record Deal with renowned Sony Music Producer George Noriega (Shakira, Gloria Estephan, and Jennifer Lopez). They range from solo traditional flute to blues and jazz, classical, and flute with contemporary accompaniment. However, the music always maintains the focus on the native flute, earning 17 national award nominations, including Native Flutist of the Year in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007.
A seasoned performer, Looking Wolf performs many times a year at various events across the country, including large concerts, festivals, personal appearances at schools, and non-profit fundraisers; both as a soloist and with a full band of world instruments. From 2002 to 2007, he has performed at over 400 events, including: Co-headliner at the 2007 Native American Music Awards in NY, headliner for the 2005 World Beat Festival, soloist with the Eugene Symphony Orchestra, for the Oregon Governor, the EPA, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Federal Government Agencies, Tribal Leaders at the Oregon Tribal Summit, ONABEN, and to an audience of 7,000 at an environmental conference in Portland, Oregon.
Looking Wolf instructs two courses here at OSU: (1.) MUS 108 001 "Introduction and History of the Native Flute", and (2.) MUS 108 002 "Native American Music". Both are offered under Cultural Diversity in the Bac Core course listing fall, winter and spring. Participants learn history, theory, and application of the native flute and drum.