De Roche has been called "the epitome of pure beauty in sound".  Expressing traditional values and the spiritual nature of Native American people through music is the goal of Native American flautist Troy Good Medicine De Roche.  He achieves this by playing his original songs from the heart without synthesizer or sampling so the true voice of the flute may be heard.
    Troy is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Nation and grew up in and around Heart Butte, Montana, the geographic heart of the reservation.  Troy has experienced both the traditional values of his people and the contemporary struggle, absorbing both with equal measures of respect and appreciation, testimony to which is evidenced by his reputation as musician, songwriter and artisan.  He was given the name " Shu'k Sha'mii" which means "Good Medicine" for the healing powers of his music.  It had been three generations since the elders felt someone was worthy of this powerful name.
    An in demand performer at shows, festivals, workshops and exhibitions across the country, Troy had carried the gift of his music worldwide.  Troy has played in diverse venues from the Homeland Security Headquarters in Honolulu, Hawai'i to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in Lousiana.  He has been featured at the Leeds Playhouse in Leeds, England; the MAC Theatre in Birmingham, England; the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis, Indiana; the Museum of Man in San Diego, California; the Maui Performing Arts Center in Waipahu, Hawai'i and the University of Hawai'i in Honolulu, Hawai'i.  He was the Featured Musician at the Great Falls American Indian Art Showcase in Great Falls, Montana.  His performance during "At the Crossroads: A Fire Ceremony" in Seattle, Washington drew the following: "Your music moved 10,000 people!".
    

 

Troy is recognized as one of the few authentic Native American flute makers; each De Roche flute being an original handcrafted piece of art, neither mass produced nor lathe turned.  The quality of his craftsmanship is evident in the beautiful, clear tones of his instruments.  Troy has shown his work at the Heard Museum, San Diego Museum of Man, Northwest Folklife, Red Desert Roundup, as well as numerous smaller venues.  At the Sweet Willow Indian Art Market in Great Falls, Montana he was selected by his peers for the Artists' Choice Award and was awarded first place in Traditional Sculpture.  De Roche flutes are in private collections in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Sweden, Ireland, England, Scotland and the United States.
    Preserving tradition is an important part of Troy's life.  He took part in the World Indigenous Flute Panel and gives workshops on Native American Flute Music.  He and his wife are the directors of the Federation of American Natives which hosts the Hilo Inter-Tribal PowWow in Hilo, Hawai'i.  They also do performances at schools and military bases to share their culture with those who might not otherwise have an opportunity to experience Native American music and stories.