With 20-plus performers, The Wisconsin Dells Singers & Dancers Troupe brings their inspirational, powerful and entertaining music to Concerts on the Square July 20.
The troupe, featuring singers, dancers and drummers from Ho-Chunk Nation, will perform three pieces with our orchestra. Elliott Funmaker, the group’s head singer, worked for three years with WCO music director Andrew Sewell on the program, which will bring Ho-Chunk music, artistry and culture to center stage.
Guest artists: Elliott Funmaker and The Wisconsin Dells Singers & Dancers
The Wisconsin Dells Singers & Dancers
Acknowledging Ho-Chunk Nation’s ancestral lands, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra celebrates the rich traditions, heritage, and culture that thrived long before our arrival. The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra respectfully recognizes this Ho-Chunk land and affirms that we are better when we stand together.
Elliott Funmaker, photographed by Mike Rausch
Elliott Funmaker, Sr. is the manager and head singer of the Wisconsin Dells Singers & Dancers Troupe. His father, Kenneth Funmaker, formed the Wisconsin Dells Singers in 1976. Elliott is an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, with ties to Meskwaki Settlement in Tama, IA, from his mother Ruby (Keahna) Funmaker.
Elliott believes that there are so many misconceptions about Native Americans and feels educational and cultural presentations can change that. As an example, most people call Native Americans attire "costumes," rather than the correct terminology, Regalia.
Elliott is a 3rd generation performer; he started dancing as a Grass dancer when he was just two years old, moved onto a Fancy dancer, Singer, and Traditional dancer at Stand Rock Indian Ceremonial. Elliott has over 57 years of experience singing and dancing. The majority of the performers in the Wisconsin Dells Singers & Dancers are Funmaker family members.
Elliott currently manages and performs with the Wisconsin Dells Singers & Dancers Troupe, of which he has been the head singer since 1999. The troupe has performed at many venues such as the Overture center, Kids in the Rotunda, Mount Horeb Festival, Wild West Days and numerous schools, conference, and more. His main passion is singing at Native American PowWows.
HOLST | The Planets, I. Mars, the Bringer of War
FUNMAKER (ARR. SEWELL) | Dejope Song
FUNMAKER | Ho-Chunk Marine Corps Song
FUNMAKER (ARR. LATIMER) | Dane 175 Soldier Chief Song (Sesquicentennial 2011)
HOLST | The Planets, IV. Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity
HOLST | The Planets, III. Mercury, the Winged Messenger
LISZT | Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2
SOUSA | Wisconsin Forward Forever!
*Program subject to change
