Gene Pinion of Savannah leading Shape-Note Singers
What the Heck is Shape-Note Singing?
If you are curious, come to a Singing.You may simply observe or my may decide that you want to jump-in and give it a try! You do not have to be an experienced singer to love Shape-Note.Singers of all skill levels can learn, and the more you practice, the better you get!
The Third Saturdays 1 to 4 p.m. (with breaks - including light refreshment & business break 30 min.)
Shape-Note Singing is an a capella style of religious singing. Instead of reading music by the placement of the notes on the staff, shape-note singers sound out the tune by reading the shapes of the notes. There are two systems of shaped notation. The older Sacred Harp system uses only four syllables (fa, sol, la, and mi) in the musical scale, with each of these syllables having its own shape. The newer seven-note system (using do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti)It is also referred to as Sacred Harp singing, a reference to a book of hymns with shape-note notation.
Louisiana Voices
Glossary
Meditation on Shape-Note Singing
As a non-singing, music lover, I attended the Shape-Note singing at Holy Apostles last Fall out of curiosity.I enjoy learning about culture and history.The Sacred Harp book has been used since 1844.The rules for “Organization and Conduct of Singings and Convention” have been virtually the same for 150 years! There is a formal structure of opening, closing, officers, minutes, prayers, even prescribed breaks and meals.That history interests and attracts me.
I was drawn to the Episcopal Church by the Liturgy…
and being personally involved in worship.It is comfort and encouragement to me to receive Eucharist in a form which has been virtually unchanged for hundreds or maybe thousands of years.It gives me a sense of peace and power to know that thousands of people around the world are praying the same, relatively unchanged prayers.
Shape-Note Singing gives me a very similar sense of being a part of something much greater and much more eternal than my weak, structure-less solitary voice.Combined with the voices of others, a powerful, mystical thing happens… praise & worship.
Come worship with us!
For more information, check out these stories and sites.
