Native musician connects PRMS fifth graders with cultural heritage

Prairie River Middle School fifth graders experienced the musical traditions of Wisconsin’s Native American culture on Thursday, May 15, 2025, when Frank Montano performed in their school cafeteria.
Montano, a flute player from the Red Cliff Reservation, demonstrated traditional Native Woodland instruments for the students. The performance connected past and present, as Montano has family ties to the community dating back decades.
“His own sons attended Merrill High School during the 1970s and 1980s,” said Matthew Rethaber, a teacher at Prairie River Middle School. “Now, 50 years later, Montano returned to the Merrill community to express the importance of preserving Native traditions and sharing Indigenous voices with younger generations.”
The musical program complemented ongoing lessons in Rethaber’s classroom, where students explore local musical heritage.
“The event was part of a larger unit in my general music class, where students have been learning about Wisconsin’s diverse musical traditions through a collection called Down Home Dairyland,” said Rethaber. “This educational resource highlights a wide range of folk and traditional music styles from across the state, helping students connect with local culture through sound.”

Students were particularly engaged when Montano showed how his instruments could recreate sounds from nature.
“I thought it was cool how many different instruments he used and how he played a variety of sounds for us,” said one fifth grader after the performance.
Among the instruments featured was a rain stick created from a Mexican cactus, demonstrating how natural materials become musical tools.
“During his presentation, Montano demonstrated the unique tones and textures of his Native Woodland flutes,” said Rethaber. “He captivated the students by imitating animal calls and showing how each instrument is crafted to reflect nature.”
The educational value extended beyond music alone, offering lessons about cultural heritage and diversity while introducing students to traditional Native American artistry.
“Montano’s performance was more than just a musical demonstration; it was a powerful lesson in cultural respect, creativity, and the value of diversity in education,” said Rethaber.
The performance gave Prairie River students a hands-on musical experience while deepening their understanding of Native cultural traditions that continue to thrive in Wisconsin.