Thank you for visiting our website and seeking out Maryland singers of Shape Note music. Sacred Harp singing, a powerful and participatory form of a cappella music, has deep roots in American history, characterized by its unique “fa-so-la” notation system and rich harmonies. We are dedicated to carrying on this living tradition, gathering together to sing in a style that has been passed down through generations.
Our website is designed to connect you with local groups throughout Maryland. Here, you’ll find contact information for communities near you, as well as a comprehensive calendar that lists both regional and local singings, from large conventions to small gatherings. We hope this resource helps you find your place in our vibrant singing tradition.
You can find our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/MarylandShapeNote/
You can chat with others on the Telegram app here: https://t.me/MDFaSoLa
While we try to keep the calendar up to date, you can find more information on regional groups below. It is good idea to reach out to make sure the event is still happening at the normal time and location.
Active Singings
Baltimore | 2nd Mondays & 4th Tuesdays / 7-9:30pm
Location: Four Hour Day Lutherie, 4305 Harford Rd., Baltimore, MD
Books: 2nd Mon. The Sacred Harp (2025), The Shenandoah Harmony
4th Tues. The Shenandoah Harmony, The Valley Pocket Harmonist
Website: https://www.baltimoreshapenote.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bmoreshapenote
Mailing List: https://groups.google.com/u/2/g/baltimore-shape-note
Email: Nora or Isaac – baltimoreshapenote at gmail dot com
Brentwood | Fourth Saturdays / 2-5pm
Books: The Valley Pocket Harmonist
Email for details: Jonathan — jonathaneennewton at gmail dot com
Fifth Sunday FaSoLa | Fifth Sundays
Dates and details here: 5th Sun FaSoLa
The Fifth Sunday Singings are a special series of shape-note gatherings in Maryland that will be held whenever a month gives us a fifth Sunday—or occasionally a fifth Saturday. These are a bit more unique and flexible than our regular singings, and each one may have its own flavor depending on the host and location. The time of day and length is up to the host, but there will be a two hour minimum.
On Hiatus
Annapolis (On Hiatus)
Easton (On Hiatus)
Our Neighbors
District of Columbia
Capitol Hill 3rd Wednesday Singing
Where: Capitol Hill Presbyterian, 201 4th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
When: 3rd Wednesdays, 7-9pm.
Book(s): The Sacred Harp (Denson) & The Shenandoah Harmony
Website: http://dcshapenote.squarespace.com/
Social: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dcshapenotesingers/
Contact(s): Alexa Silverman, silvermanalexa at gmail dot com and David Shulman, davids.wdc at gmail dot com
Eckington 2nd Sunday Regular Sing
Where: Eckington neighborhood of Washington, DC, email for address
When: Email to confirm dates.
Book(s): The Shenandoah Harmony, The Valley Pocket Harmonist
Website: http://dcshapenote.squarespace.com/
Social: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dcshapenotesingers/
Contact(s): Mona Lewandoski – mona dot lewandoski at gmail dot com
Mailing list: (email contact to request signup)
Note: Email for address and to confirm dates. This sing takes place in a heated/air conditioned garage with water and bathroom access.
Pennsylvania
Lancaster Sacred Harp
Where: (email contact for location)
When: First Sundays from 3-5:30 PM
Book(s): The Sacred Harp (Denson)
Website: https://pennsylvaniasacredharp.com/
Social: https://www.facebook.com/groups/473979995946738/
Contact: Elizabeth Patton sacredharp.lanc.pa@gmail.com
Mailing list: (email contact to request signup)
Philadelphia 2nd & 4th Thursdays
Where: DuBois-Robeson People’s Center, 4515 Baltimore Ave
When: Second and Fourth Thursdays from 6:30-8:45 PM
Book(s): The Sacred Harp (Denson)
Website: https://phillysacredharp.org/
Social: https://www.facebook.com/groups/200625033283382/
Contact: Rachel Hall rachelwellshall@gmail.com
Mailing list: (email contact to request signup)
Philadelphia 2nd Saturdays
Where: Germantown Mennonite Historic Trust, 6133 Germantown Ave
When: Second Saturdays from 3:00-5:30 PM
Book(s): The Sacred Harp (Denson)
Website: https://phillysacredharp.org/
Social: https://www.facebook.com/groups/200625033283382/
Contact: Sophie Sokolov sophiegsokolov@gmail.com
Mailing list: (email contact to request signup)
Virginia
Richmond Shape Note Singers
Where: St.Giles Presbyterian Church 5200 Grove Ave, Richmond, VA 23226
When: 1st Tuesdays from 7-9pm and 3rd Sundays from 2-4pm
Book(s): The Sacred Harp (Denson) & The Shenandoah Harmony
Website: https://richmondshapenote.org/
Social: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100048973548444
Contact: Adrienne – adrienne.e.robertson at gmail dot com
Rivanna Shape Note Singers
Where: Social Hall, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Charlottesville; 717 Rugby Road; Charlottesville, VA 22903
When: 1st Saturdays, 10-noon
Books: The Sacred Harp (Denson), The Shenandoah Harmony & Valley Pocket Harmonist
Website: coming
Social: https://www.facebook.com/CharlottesvilleShapeNoteSingers
Contact: John- john dot alexanderj at gmail dot com
Northern Shenandoah Valley Shape Note Singers
Where: 2336 Salem Church Rd, Boyce, VA 22620
When: 3rd Saturdays, 3-6pm
Book(s): The Sacred Harp (Denson) & The Shenandoah Harmony
Website: https://www.shenandoahharmony.com/
Social: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nsvshapenote
Contact(s): Kelly Macklin – skmack02 at gmail dot com
Mailing list: (email contact to request signup)
Note: Stay for potluck and conversation!