It has been suggested that we add another singing to the Baltimore schedule. This can provide everyone more singing, or folks who have a hard time making the current singings might be able to attend one at a different time. We can either choose another “relative date” in the month, such as “First Sunday” or “Third Saturday” and decide a time and place. Or, an alternative is what we’re calling the “Fifth Something Sing.”
On months that have a fifth Saturday or a fifth Sunday, we’d gather for an extra singing. That could give us as many as eight additional singing opportunities in 2026—if enough motivated folks volunteer to host or organize. The day doesn’t have to be fixed in advance; it could be either a Saturday or a Sunday, depending on who’s available and willing to lead the effort.
This would also let us experiment a little: moving the location around to homes, community centers, or other spaces (even a senior residence that would like us to come sing), trying outdoor singings in good weather, or adding potlucks, snacks, or social time when the space permits.
Here are the possible “fifth” dates in 2026:
Fifth Saturdays: January 31, May 30, August 29, October 31
Fifth Sundays: March 29, May 31, August 30, November 29
The idea is simply to keep these dates on our radar and let singers step up to host or organize as they are able. Nothing has to be set in stone right away, but this could give us a framework for more opportunities to sing together, without adding a fixed third monthly singing.
Give us your feedback about our 2026 calendar! Would you be interested in singing more shape notes in Baltimore? If so, would you prefer adding a fixed “relative date” with a set time and location, or trying a flexible “Fifth Something Sing”?
Here is a link to a Google Form poll: