Most chanters claim they were not taught the chants. They learned the chants by listening and participating with the older chanters of the community. The chants have been handed down from the elders since the beginning of the tribe. The chants are part of the communities' festivals, tribal gatherings, and social events. Members of the chanting groups are asked to perform at various gatherings and local festivals as well as cultural functions around the state.
Many chanters attend pow-wows and Indian gatherings around the country.
Alvin Nickey travels to each community and works with students through the school music programs. Here at Bogue Chitto, Billy Amos and Diane Comby work with instructional aides to teach the chants and dances to the students. Several groups of our students have been asked to perform at schools and other functions to demonstrate Choctaw dancing and chanting. The chants and dances of the Choctaw Indians are a celebration of the Choctaw culture and history. The chanters of the tribe are working diligently to preserve the music and culture of the Choctaw tribe.