1 Dear Singers,
The Elder Gerald Hand Memorial Sing and Tucson Shape Note Singing Convention will take place March 4 and 5 in Tucson at the same location as last time, Sonora Cohousing (501 E Roger Rd). This will be the tenth resumed annual convention after a two-year hiatus. The schedule is as follows:
Saturday, March 4, 2023, 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Sunday, March 5, 2023, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Because of this the Phoenix Fasola March sing is cancelled.
Facebook event page here. Lunch ("dinner on the grounds") will be provided both days. If you will not be with us this Saturday but are interested in carpooling to Tucson, please send me a message. If you would like to be removed from our contact list or if you have received this as a forwarded e-mail and would like to be added, send me a message at organistAL@aol.com. Finally, please stay home if you're sick or have been in close contact with anyone with COVID or flu symptoms!
Phoenix Fasola WebsiteOur Top 20 Songs
The Sacred Harp, 1991 Denson Edition (Sacred Harp Bremen Website)
Patrick Williams
(205) 223-9545
To the memory of the illustrious and venerable patriarchs who established the Traditional Style of Sacred Harp singing and admonished their followers to "seek the old paths and walk therein"
If you would like to be added to our contact list, send me a message at organistAL@aol.com. Finally, please stay home if you're sick or have been in close contact with anyone with COVID or flu symptoms!
The Sacred Harp, 1991 Denson Edition (Sacred Harp Bremen Website)
Sacred Harp refers to the human voice. All songs are done acapella, and in the traditional style, that is, in the format of sitting in a square. The music dates as early as the 1700's, and lyrics from much earlier. Below is a simple introduction video.
Introduction video:
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 fun and personal enjoyment not for performance. Read blogs below to learn more.
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 # 242, " Ode on Science" reflect joyous celebration. Written just 2 years after the American Revolution ended, it celebrates this nation's new freedom.
Our Host is
Patrick Williams
(205) 223-9545
Please do not arrive more than 15 minutes prior to any meeting. The address is
2207 W Bethany Home Rd in north central Phoenix. There is no need to RSVP, and we have loaner books (Denson edition) for your use, which are also available to purchase for $25. Unless you arrive more than 15 minutes e
Our Host is
Patrick Williams
(205) 223-9545
Please do not arrive more than 15 minutes prior to any meeting. The address is
2207 W Bethany Home Rd in north central Phoenix. There is no need to RSVP, and we have loaner books (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'll start singing on time and break for refreshments after an hour.
Email or call Patrick for details on directions.
Phone is 205-223-9545
Email address is
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 f
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.
There are several resources to help you learn to sing. Check these out.
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 Dennison. The site is in German, however the songs are listed by title and number and sung in English, a wonderful on line resource.
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.
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.
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, but recommended if you have not been vaccinated, care for an immunosuppressed individual, or elderly, chronically ill person.
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, I am sure!
4 Do I have to own a book?
No, loaner books are available.
5 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.
6 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.