The drum may choose to set up in the center of the dance arena under a special arbor. And sometimes even below the MC's stand. The songs you will hear at the powwow, as well as the singers are all important ingredients. Without them we would have no dance. It is the lead singer, and his group of singers, or the Drum, who provide the music for the dancers.
Most powwow songs consist of a set of phrases which are repeated several times.
The phrases can be made up of Indian words, of meaningless syllables, or a combination of both. These songs are sung in many different languages. While the Flag and Veteran's songs are always played at the beginning of a dance session, the other songs played during the session will vary based on the types of dancestyles that are represented and the purpose of the powwow. Most powwows will begin with grand entry, where all the dancers in regalia enter the dance arena. This is followed by the flag song or the Indian national anthem.