5th Sunday Singings

Fifth Sunday Singings are a new series for 2026 designed to bring more flexible, community-centered shape-note singing to Baltimore and beyond.

Prospective Dates:

  • November 30, 2025 – Lindsey, Baltimore City (VPH)
  • March 29, 2026 – Margaret, Frederick – Facebook Event (ShH + VPH)
  • May 31, 2026 – Kevin, Baltimore TBA
  • August 30, 2026 – Jess, Baltimore TBA
  • November 29, 2026 – Open

While our regular monthly singings are often held in public spaces or churches, the Fifth Sunday series is intended to be a “movable feast”—informal gatherings often hosted in homes, backyards, or community spaces. These events focus on fellowship, trying out different books, and providing a singing opportunity during those “extra” Sundays that fall four or five times a year.

How it Works

  • When: Any month with a fifth Sunday.
  • Where: Locations vary! They are hosted by volunteers in the community.
  • Books: Varies by host preference (Sacred Harp, Shenandoah Harmony, etc.).
  • Stay Informed: Since locations change, make sure you are on our [Email List] and in our [Facebook Group] to receive the address for each upcoming event.

Hosting a Fifth Sunday Singing

Hosting is a wonderful way to support the community. You don’t need a massive space or a professional setup—just a place for people to sit and sing. If you are interested in hosting, use the checklist below to prepare.

Basic Event Details

  • Choose a date.
  • Set start and end times (take into consideration setup and cleanup time before and after, two hours at least for singing, additional for social time, if wanted).
  • Confirm host contact email and/or phone number for attendee questions.
  • Decide if RSVPs are helpful (especially for home-based or small venues).
  • Decide if there will potluck/social time or not.

Venue Considerations

  • Venue selected (home, church hall, library, community space, covered outdoor space, etc.).
    • If the venue has rental cost, freewill donations can be announced, but host accepts full responsibility for cost if no donations are received.
  • Confirm venue capacity for comfortable singing (8-20 people).
  • Confirm availability of bathroom facilities.
    • Note whether bathrooms are accessible or not (do they have features to to better accommodate people with physical disabilities).
  • Confirm general accessibility of the venue.
    • Note if there are stairs, narrow doors, or other considerations.
  • Decide if the exact address will be shared only with confirmed attendees (e.g., for home venues)
  • Ensure parking or transit info is clear (parking lot/street parking/long walk to singing spot).

Singing Logistics

  • Choose which tunebooks will be used. Any shape-note tunebook can be used, but anything without easily accessed loaners will limit singers. You are welcome to get creative and provide one or many tunes in a packet, arrange to borrow a set of tunebooks not otherwise generally used, or offer to have composers bring their own songs.
  • Loaner books available from Baltimore:
    • The Sacred Harp: 1991 Edition
    • The Sacred Harp: 2025 Edition
    • The Shenandoah Harmony
    • The Valley Pocket Harmonist

Refreshments & Social Time

  • Decide whether the event will include a potluck or refreshments.
    • If yes: clarify this in announcements (bring food/bring your own water/etc.).
    • Note if water will be provided or singers need to bring their own.
    • Ensure some basic supplies like plates/cups/napkins are covered (by host or volunteers) if food is provided.
  • Confirm access to water & trash/recycling.

Communications & Announcements

  • Provide to Kevin:
    • Date & time
    • Street address.
    • Accessibility notes (venue + bathroom)
    • Book list and loaner availability
    • Potluck or social plan, if applicable
  • Announce venue address (if private) 3–7 days before the event to confirmed attendees
  • Share RSVP or contact method, if applicable

Ready to host? Email baltimoreshapenote@gmail.com to claim an upcoming Fifth Sunday!