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Alaska is a state of the United States. Its original inhabitants were the Inupiaq, Aleut, Tlingit and other tribes. Later, Russian, English and Irish immigrants brought their own varieties of folk music. Alaska was home to some of the United States renowned performers, such as the folky singer Jewel. Traditional Aleut flautist Mary Youngblood is also well-known in her field, as is the folk singer-songwriter Libby Roderick and the traditional performing group Pamyua.
The official state song of Alaska is "Alaska's Flag", which was adopted in 1955; it celebrates the flag of Alaska. It was written by Marie Drake and set to music by Elinor Dusenbury. In 1960, Drake donated the song's copyright to the University of Alaska. Carol Beery Davis, a poet laureate, wrote the second verse, and donated her copyright to the University of Alaska Foundation in 1987.
The Alaska Folk Festival, held every April in Juneau is among the state's most well-attended music festivals. The Fairbanks Winter Music Fest and the Anchorage Folk Festival are also well-known in their areas. The most prominent symphony in Alaska is the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra. The Juneau Symphony Orchestra is another notable institution; it was founded in 1962 by Cliff Berge, who was conductor for twenty years.
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