Sacred Harp Shape Note Singing
Next Singing:
Saturday, December 16
1:00–3:00 p.m.
Sacred Harp Shape Note Singing
Next Singing:
Saturday, December 16
1:00–3:00 p.m.
Scheduled Singings:
Location: 2207 W. Bethany Home Rd. in north central Phoenix, two blocks off I-17 (exit 204)
Unless you plan to bring a large group of people, there is no need to RSVP for our monthly third Saturday singing. We have loaner books (1991 Denson edition) for your use, which are also available to purchase for $25. Unless you arrive more than 15 minutes early (which is not encouraged!), come on in without knocking or ringing the bell. We start on time and break for refreshments after an hour. Please contact us in the "Drop us a line!" section below to join our e-mail list. Finally, please stay home if you're sick or have been in close contact with anyone with COVID or flu symptoms!
Links:
The Sacred Harp, 1991 Denson Edition (Sacred Harp Bremen Website)
Our Sister Group:
Tucson FASOLA
First and third Saturdays
See website for time and location.
Our combined Phoenix-Tucson Fifth Saturday Singing in September was a great success! We will have another combined December 16 at our usual monthly location—time TBA.
General Information
History
The Sacred Harp, the name of the book we sing from, refers to the human voice. Everything is sung a cappella and in the traditional style, which is loud and unrefined compared to choral and solo singing. Our music is participatory: it is meant to be sung, not listened to. We adhere to the traditional hollow square seating configuration and take turns leading.
Introduction video:
Other samples of Sacred Harp Sings:
https://memphisharmony.bandcamp.com/
https://youtu.be/C1Y8g9VQ0rY (start at 1:28)
We are not a religious group
Even though most of the songs have religious lyrics, this is a reflection of the people and times they were written in. We welcome all singers and listeners alike. The pitch is relative, that is, pitch is determined by the singers at the time the song is sung. Time is kept by the person leading the song. Leading is done by each singer offered a turn and they are free to decline if they so wish. The singing is done for personal enjoyment, not as a performance. Read blogs below to learn more.
Members of the National Fasola.org
We are not a religious group, however - -
We are not a religious group, however - -
We are not a religious group, however - -
You will notice that much of the music has religious inspired lyrics. This is reflective of the times in which the songs were sung, during early American history. Don't be afraid to explore the lyrics of the songs. For example no. 242, "Ode on Science," written just two years after the American Revolution ended, reflects joyous celebration of this nation's new freedom.
We are not a religious group, however - -
We are not a religious group, however - -
Our Most Requested Songs:
Resources abound
We are not a religious group, however - -
Resources abound
Here are several sites and resources:
Fasola.org
Sacredharpbremen.org is a site that allows you to play just your part and learn songs. It is a German site but on the home page, click 'English" and then 'Lieder'. The songs are listed in numerical order. The parts are done robotically, still you can follow in the book and learn the part fair
Here are several sites and resources:
Fasola.org
Sacredharpbremen.org is a site that allows you to play just your part and learn songs. It is a German site but on the home page, click 'English" and then 'Lieder'. The songs are listed in numerical order. The parts are done robotically, still you can follow in the book and learn the part fairly easily. No book? Click on the link 'Notes' at the bottom of the parts player. That will take you to the song as it appears in the Sacred Harp book.
Check out Sacred Harp Lyrics at @antioch277 on Twitter.
Check out FasolaMix for iOS mobile devices at the app store.
Check out the many Facebook Sacred Harp or Shape Note singing groups --or read blogs below to learn more.
Shape Note Resources
Resources
There are several resources to help you learn to sing. Check these out.
Sacredharpbremen.org
This site has a computer generated model that will sing through all the songs in the 1991 edition of the commonly used songbook, Sacred Harp, by Denson. The site is in German, however the songs are listed by title and number and sung in English, a wonderful on line resource.
Check out this IOS app
For Moble Apple devices only, this app called FasolaMix is a great resource. It allows you to mute the other parts and practice you own or hear all at once. Although it has a limited number of songs, it is adding to them continually. It is also based on the 1991 edition of Dennison's Sacred Harp songbook. There is a cost, the app is $14.99 however I believe well worth it.
Singing is the best way to learn
Attending a sing and just practicing is the best way to learn. Our sings are non-judgmental and based on having fun in the experience. We are happy to run parts and no one is an expert, we are all there to enjoy the songs and each other.
Are you traveling?
You can find a local sing as you travel and attend. Go to fasola.org to locate a sing near you. You can also find resources, such as a link to the Smithsonian Institute singing guide for shape note singing, the movie 'Awake My Soul' about Sacred Harp.
FAQ
Masks are not required. We ask everyone to take common-sense precautions and stay home if you're sick or have been in close contact with anyone with COVID or flu symptoms.
1 Do I have to know how to read music?
No. The best way to learn is to come to the sings and sit next to someone to follow along on your part.
2 What if I don't know what part I sing?
Start by sitting with the tenors. They carry the melody so its easier to follow along.
3 Why do you sit in a square?
Lots of factors. Early churches and meeting halls used a square formate for attendees. Men and women were normally separated but in Sacred harp the place to sit is determined by part. The parts can hear each other better if in a square format.
4 Do I have to sing to come? Can I just come to listen?
No and Yes. You don't have to sing. It may be uncomfortable for you to start singing right off. So come to listen and get comfortable. Eventually you will want to join in, we are sure!
5 Do I have to own a book?
No, loaner books are available.
6 Does it cost money to attend or is there a fee to join your organization?
No, This event is free. There is no cost to join us.
7 Do I have to stay the whole time?
No. We would love you to join us for the entire singing, however you can come and go as needed.
8 Do I need to bring anything?
No. Besides loaner books, refreshments are provided at the break, with gluten-free and vegetarian options.