The research focused on the historical constitution of the relationships between power and identity, which are embedded in daily activities of three organized musical groups in Minas Gerais. It was identified that the musicians process of identity is permeated by the status and the value traditionally allocated to musical activities in the Vertentes region of Minas Gerais. The differences related to production of collective and individual identities seem to exert influence on inter and intra groups power relationships. Furthermore, the different ways in which power relationships are established among the agents also have influence on the group development and their musical activity. The musical activity, in its turn, legitimates individual and collective identities, contributing for keeping musical life in Vertentes very alive and intense throughout its history.
activity; identity; music; group process; power relationships