TROY "GOOD MEDICINE" DE ROCHE

“De Roche is the epitome of pure beauty in sound. Expressing traditional values and the spiritual nature of Native American people through music is the goal of Native American flautist Troy De Roche. He achieves this by playing his original songs from the heart without synthesizer or sampling so the true voice of the flute may
be heard.

Troy is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Nation and grew up in and around Heart Butte, Montana, the geographic heart of the reservation. Troy has experienced both the traditional values of his people and the contemporary struggle, absorbing both with equal measures of respect and appreciation, testimony to which is
evidenced by his reputation as a musician, songwriter, and artisan. He was given the name "Shu'k Sha'mii"; which means "Good Medicine"; for the healing powers of his music. It has been three generations since the elders felt someone was worthy of this powerful name.

An in demand performer at shows, festivals, workshops and exhibitions across the country, Troy has carried the gift of his music worldwide. He has been featured at New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans Louisiana, The Leeds Playhouse in Leeds England, the MAC Theater in Birmingham, England, the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Museum of Man in San Diego, California, and the University of
Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii as well as numerous other venues. For the past 3 years he has performed at the Montana Folk Festival. His performance during At the Crossroads: A Fire Ceremony in Seattle Washington drew the following: “Your music moved 10,000 people!” In 1998 while on a record breaking tour in England Troy became the first Native American composer/performer
to secure a contract with Zomba Music, for their prestigious Chappell Hill publishing roster. He returned to London in 2002 to record for Extreme Music’s World Music Series. His original compositions can be heard on soundtracks around the world as well as on five albums for public release; Listen, My People!, First Mother, Eagle’s Journey, Journey Across the Water, Journey from the Heart.

Troy is recognized as one of the few authentic Native American Flute makers; each De Roche flute being an original handcrafted piece of art, not production line nor lather turned. The quality of his craftsmanship is
evident in the beautiful and clear tones of his instruments. At the Sweet Willow Indian Market in Great Falls, Montana he was selected by his peers for the Artists’ Choice Award and was also awarded First Place in Traditional Sculpture. De Roche flutes are in private collections in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Sweden, Ireland, England, Scotland, and the United States.

Preserving tradition is an important part of Troy’s life. He and his wife, Liz, founded the Federation of American Natives in 2005 which hosted the annual Hilo Inter-Tribal PowWow in Hilo, Hawaii. They do performances at schools and military bases to share their culture with those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience Native American music and stories. In 2016 they travelled to Massachusetts to share culture with children at the Friend’s Academy and to celebrate Earth Day at the First Church of Boston. Troy also performed at the Montana Folk Festival in Butte July 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Troy is registered with the Federal Indian Arts and Crafts Board as an authentic Native Artist. He is also a member of Montana Musicians and “Native Made in Montana”.

To learn about Troy and his flute making process click HERE to watch him on the "BackRoads of Montana" episode; "A Stone's Throw from Anywhere".