Ballard, Louis (1931– )

American Indian composer. He studied at Oklahoma University and had private lessons with Darius Milhaud and Carlos Surinach. He was program director of Indian Affairs at Washington, DC, 1971–79, and has published Music of North American Indians (1975). His works are indebted to the rhythms and tunes of his native music.

Works Ballet Koshare (1966), The Four Moons (1967).

Orchestral Incident at Wounded Knee (1974), Xactce'oyan/Companion of Talking God (1982), Fantasy Aborigine (1984).

Chamber Ritmo Indio for woodwind quintet and Sioux flute (1968).