Beyond the Mesas, LLC recently launched a new course!
This mini course explores the history of the Santa Fe All Indian Band, a group of Native musicians from the Navajo, Hopi, Laguna Pueblo, and other tribal communities who performed across the Southwest and even marched in President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s 1953 Inaugural Parade.
Through four connected lessons, this course examines how Indian railroad workers formed the band, how the Santa Fe Railroad used Native imagery to promote the company, the boarding school experience that trained the musicians, and the family legacies that emerged from the ensemble.
This course is especially meaningful to me as my great-grandfather, Victor Sakiestewa from Upper Munqapi (originally from Oraibi), played the clarinet in the band.
The course costs $35.00. However, if you use the coupon code indianband you will receive a $15.00 discount at check-out. Which means you pay only $20.00 for the course. This offer expires on July 1, 2026.
People can work at their own pace, as BTM 230 is meant to be relaxing and informative. Click on the link below for more details and directions on how to enroll.
I hope to have you in my class!