Join us at the
9th Annual Maryland All-Day Singing from The Shenandoah Harmony.
In 2026, Maryland All-Day continues as a roaming, Maryland-based all-day singing welcoming singers from Maryland, D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, and beyond.
- Saturday, October 3
- Registration 9:30am | Singing 10:00am–3:30pm
- Potluck dinner on the grounds (bring a dish to share)
- St. Davids Epsicopal Church 4700 Roland Ave Baltimore Md
- Social after, location will be announced.
The night before join us for a Valley Pocket Harmonist Sing
- Friday, October 2nd
- Singing 7:00–9:00pm
- Four Hour Day Lutherie, 4305 Harford Rd, Baltimore Md
Welcome to the Maryland All-Day Singing!
Maryland All-Day is an annual shape-note singing from The Shenandoah Harmony (published in 2012), continuing the history of the Baltimore-Washington Shenandoah Harmony All-Day Singing first held in 2013. Beginning in 2026, the singing is being renamed and refocused as a roaming Maryland-based all-day, welcoming singers from Maryland, D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, and beyond.
No rehearsals, no audience, no tickets: just voices raised together in harmony. Newcomers are warmly welcome to listen, sing, and take part.
What to Expect at an All-Day Singing
The Maryland All-Day Singing is part of the shape-note singing tradition, born in New England in the early 1800s. In particular it uses the four-shape shape-notes as seen here:
If you aren’t familiar with these at all, and haven’t been to any singing, review our page What to Expect.
If you’ve only been to casual local singings, an all-day singing is a special, day-long event with its own cherished traditions. Singers travel from near and far, filling the hollow square with a rich sound and a sense of fellowship. Officers keep things organized, and all attendees are invited to sign the registration book. Singing runs morning and afternoon, with a long break for potluck lunch in between.
No one is put on the spot or forced to lead — if you’re asked, you’re welcome to decline, and you can also ask someone to help lead with you. Some people attend the whole day, others drop in for part of it. However much you’re able to join, you’ll be part of the community.
The Book
Maryland All-Day Singing is held from The Shenandoah Harmony, a shape-note tunebook centered on the music of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia in the early nineteenth century. At 469 songs, it’s the largest new book of its kind published in over 150 years, and it’s the central book of this singing.
It draws on the early Valley repertoire of Ananias Davisson’s Kentucky Harmony and its Supplement, alongside related New England, Mid-Atlantic, and Southern material and sixty songs from living composers. Though rooted in this region, it has also been embraced by singers across the country and around the world, and we’re proud to be part of that wider community.
A companion volume, The Valley Pocket Harmonist, is used at some associated events, including the Friday evening sing that precedes Maryland All-Day.
What to Bring
- Water bottle: Singing is thirsty work. Water will also be available.
- Comfortable clothes: Some singers dress up a little for an all-day, but it is not required.
- Potluck dish: Bring something to share if you can. There will be plenty of food for everyone.
- Songbook: Bring The Shenandoah Harmony if you own a copy. Loaner books will be available.
When You Arrive
You’ll be welcomed at the registration table, where volunteers will be ready to answer questions, hand out loaner books, and help you get settled. Please sign the registration book – it’s part of the tradition, and also how the arranging committee knows who might want to lead.
Sacred Harp style singers sit in a hollow square with one side for each part (treble, alto, tenor, and bass). If you’re not sure where to sit, tenor (the melody) is a great place to start. Don’t hesitate to mention that you’re new – singers love helping newcomers.
The Flow of the Day
- Morning: Singing begins with an opening song and prayer, then moves into lessons led by singers. Singers are invited in turn to choose and lead a song from the center of the hollow square. You do not have to lead unless you want to. We will have a short recess. You don’t have to lead unless you want to – just singing with the group is perfectly fine.
- Lunch: Around midday we’ll break for a potluck meal. This is a highlight of the day, with tables full of food and a chance to relax and chat with friends old and new. Don’t be shy to introduce yourself.
- Afternoon: More singing, often even livelier after lunch, until we close with a farewell song and prayer.
Tips and Etiquette
- Stand during prayers or memorials if you’re able.
- There is no applause after songs. The music is participatory rather than performative. It is common, however, to warmly acknowledge young children when they lead.
- Follow the leader’s tempo and verse choices.
- Ask questions anytime – at the welcome table, during breaks, or of the singers around you.
- Sing with a full voice. This music works best when everyone joins in.
Community and Welcome
Shape-note singing is about more than the music – it’s about community. You’ll find singers of all backgrounds, ages, and levels of experience. Hospitality is a core value: visitors and newcomers are always honored guests. Volunteers at the welcome table can answer questions, help you find a place to sit, and hear any concerns. Don’t be shy about stopping by.
We Can’t Wait to Sing With You!
Whether you come for a few hours or stay all day, you’ll experience the joy of raising your voice in harmony and being part of something timeless. We look forward to welcoming you into the square.
History
The Maryland All-Day Singing continues the history of the Baltimore-Washington Shenandoah Harmony All-Day Singing, first organized in 2013 by singers from the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. From the beginning, the event was regional in spirit, drawing singers from Maryland, D.C., Virginia, and beyond for a full day of singing from The Shenandoah Harmony.
The singing met annually on the first weekend of October from 2013 through 2019, rotating among venues in Silver Spring, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Arlington, and Annapolis. Like many shape-note singings, it was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and did not meet for several years. The all-day was revived in 2025 at Annapolis Friends Meetinghouse.
Beginning in 2026, the singing is being renamed Maryland All-Day and refocused as a roaming Maryland-based all-day singing from The Shenandoah Harmony. This change keeps the continuity of the earlier Baltimore-Washington singing while giving the event a simpler name and a clearer future: an annual gathering that can move among Maryland communities while continuing to welcome singers from the wider region.
A timeline of the Baltimore-Washington All Day Singings
8th Annual Baltimore-Washington Shenandoah Harmony All Day Singing – 2025
Sat., Oct. 4, 2025, 10am–3:30pm
Annapolis Friends Meetinghouse, 351 Dubois Rd., Annapolis, MD 21401
Chair: Thomas Ward
(No singing doe 2023 or 2024)
DEZARN AND MERCER MEMORIAL SINGING – 2022
Sat., Oct. 8, 2022
Lacey Woods
Chair: Kelly Macklin
A “two book” all-day singing dedicated to Graham Dezarn and Ted Mercer was held in
Arlington, Virginia, on Saturday before the second Sunday in October. The class was
called to order by Brenda Dunlap leading 266. Jonathan Een Newton offered the
opening prayer: “We gather here today in joy and in sorrow, to celebrate the lives of
two dear friends and fellow singers. They were separated by a generation but united
by this tradition—a tradition that has a way of breaking down many seemingly
arbitrary boundaries. We ask that our voices are strengthened and lifted through our
memories of them—perhaps sitting next to us or across the square. Give us grace to
mourn their loss, honor their memory, and be present in the joyous, healing splendor
of our music. Amen”
(No singing in 2020 or 2021)
7th Annual Baltimore-Washington Shenandoah Harmony All Day Singing – 2019
Sat., Oct. 5, 2019 from 10am-3:30pm
Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church 201 4th St SE Washington, DC 20003
Chair: Robin Banerji & Maria Cramer
6th Annual Baltimore-Washington Shenandoah Harmony All Day Singing – 2018
Sat., Oct. 6th, 2018 from 10am-3:30pm
Cathedral of the Incarnation, 4 E University Pkwy, Baltimore, MD
Chair: Graham DeZarn
5th Annual Baltimore-Washington Shenandoah Harmony All Day Singing – 2017
Sat., Oct. 7, 2017 from 10am-3:30pm
Woman’s Club of Arlington, 700 S Buchanan St, Arlington, VA 22204
Chair: Matt Roberts
4th Annual Baltimore-Washington Shenandoah Harmony All Day Singing – 2016
Sat., Oct. 1, 2016 from 10am-3:30pm
Cathedral of the Incarnation, 4 E University Pkwy, Baltimore, MD
Chair: Joshua Barnett
3rd Annual Baltimore-Washington Shenandoah Harmony All Day Singing – 2015
Sat., Oct. 3, 2015 from 10am-3:30pm
Faith Community Church, 5315 Harford Rd. Baltimore, MD 21214
Chair: Nora Miller (FB)
2nd Annual Baltimore-Washington Shenandoah Harmony All Day Singing – 2014
Sat., Oct. 4, 2014 from 10am-3:30pm
Church of St. Monica/St. James, 222 8th St NE Washington, DC 20002
Chair: John delRe (FB)
There is a video playlist of 54 songs from 2014 available on YouTube.
1st Annual Baltimore-Washington Shenandoah Harmony All Day Singing – 2013
Sat., Oct. 12, 2013 from 10am-3:30pm
Church of the Ascension, 633 Sligo Ave, Silver Spring MD 20910
Chair: Nora Miller
There is a video playlist of 12 songs from 2013 available on YouTube.