02 Jul 10 Reasons to Try Shape Note Singing
Shape Note Singers with Richard Moss in the Keith House at the Folk School, 1978
For anyone who loves to belt it out in the shower, was moved by the church scene in Cold Mountain with everyone belting it out together, or is simply a fan of “belting it out” in life, Shape Note singing is for you!
Every time I have participated in a sing, I have been overcome with the sort of pure emotion that stems from being truly “in the moment” without even realizing it. It is incredibly refreshing and I whole-heartedly recommend it as a great way to spend a summer-time Saturday.
My top 10 favorite things about Shape Note singing (in no particular order):
#1. You don’t have to know how to read music or find harmonies. You can just relax and follow the singing leaders and shapes that resemble each note on the page.
#2. Sitting next to a seasoned singer helps you sound like a seasoned singer (It’s the same theory as a lead biker “breaking the wind” for the riders behind them).
#3. The more raw, gutsy and untrained your way of singing, the better it sounds.
#4. You are not alone! This is true togetherness through song. It is basically a room full of 4 part harmonies happening simultaneously. A perfect opportunity to melt into the crowd.
#5. The harmonies are so different from what you typically hear. They sound so old and heart wrenching… SO beautiful.
#6. Singing increases oxygen to the brain, releases endorphins and reduces stress. All good things, right?
#7. It is a different way to meet folks from our region. At the Folk School sing North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and even Alabama are often represented.
#8. It is a safe space for people of all different beliefs and is simply intended as a mode to celebrate joyful living.
#9. The Saturday sing doesn’t drain your go-out-and-have-fun budget. It’s free!
…and last, but not least
#10. There is a “potluck on the grounds” which is code word for “the best southern comfort food in town.” Mmmm….
Join us this year:
Shape Note Singing in the Music Studio, Davidson Hall
28TH ANNUAL FOLK SCHOOL SHAPE NOTE SING SING
Saturday, July 8, 2023, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: The Open House (open air pavilion by the Folk School Gardens)
Beginning at 9:00 a.m., there will be an introduction to singing Sacred Harp and Christian Harmony music for beginners. Some loaner books are available.
Singing: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Dinner on the grounds at Noon
After party: 7:00 p.m. Contra & Cajun Dance
Come sing, learn the shapes, contemplate the poetry, and relish the power of voices raised together in song. These events welcome first-timer and experienced shape note singers to sing from the tune books Christian Harmony and The Sacred Harp. Experience the beauty of singing 4 parts unaccompanied. All shape note singings are free and open to the public.
Admission to the singing is free.
Donations are welcome.
There will be copies of the Christian Harmony book available for sale at the singing for $25 each and a few available to borrow or you can order
them at Christian Harmony.
Hear a sample of Shape Note Singing by Alabama Sacred Harp Singers – “Present Joys” recorded in 1942 by Alan Lomax for the Library of Congress: