Shape Note Singing

Be swept away by the power of Shape Note Singing at our various singing events. The Folk School’s annual singing draws more than 70 singers from four states!

Our 28th Annual Sing Happens on July 8, 2023

Every summer in July, a unique and wonderful event occurs at the Folk School. Our annual Shape Note Singing draws more than 70 singers from four states for a day of powerful vocal harmonizing. A hearty potluck is part of the festivities, with each singer bringing a covered dish to share. We sing from the Sacred Harp and Christian Harmony books. Originally published in 1866, William Walker’s Christian Harmony is the oldest seven shape collection to have remained in continuous use, primarily in Western North Carolina and North Georgia.

Join us this year on Saturday, July 8 for the 28th Annual Shape Note Singing. All will take place in Open House, the pavilion by the Folk School’s garden. 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.
Potluck dinner on the grounds at Noon
After party: 7:00 p.m. Contra & Cajun Dance

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Recent Shape-Note Singing Recordings

Below, find a playlist of all our archived Shape-Note Singing events.
View all the videos on our YouTube channel.

Shape Note Singing: News & Stories

Upcoming Events

Locate & Contact

Please contact Stefani Priskos for more information around Shape Note Singing.

The John C. Campbell Folk School

Programs Development Manager

Stefani Priskos

1.800.FOLK.SCH (365-5724)

Mailing Address
One Folk School Road
Brasstown, NC 28902

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