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. Details on date, location, and schedule will be posted here as they are confirmed.
Welcome to the Maryland All-Day Singing!
Maryland All-Day is an annual shape-note singing from The Shenandoah Harmony, 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
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 to take part, filling the hollow square with a rich sound and sense of fellowship. Officers keep things organized, and all attendees are invited to sign the registration book. It really does last all day – with singing in the morning and afternoon, and a long break for potluck lunch in between. Some people attend the whole day, while others drop in for part of it. However much you’re able to join, you’ll be part of the community.
Maryland All-Day sings from The Shenandoah Harmony, a book with deep regional meaning for singers in Maryland and the surrounding area. Using a regional book is very much in keeping with older shape-note practice, even as The Shenandoah Harmony has also been embraced by singers across the country and around the world. We are proud to be part of that wider community.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
There is a video playlist of 12 songs from 2013 available on YouTube.