All skill level singers are welcome, and whether you have a lot of experience or none at all you may find the shape note singing tradition to be curious, exciting and wonderful. Our monthly singings are informal and participation is easy and questions welcome.
| Beginner Guide fasola.org/resources/Grayson_Beginners_Guide_2024.pdf Lisa Grayson publishes an excellent beginner guide to hand out to newcomers at large or small singing events. It is designed to be photocopied on letter-size paper to produce a 9-page double-sided booklet. Local singing organizers can fill in details of local happenings such as contact information and singing dates on the bottom of the back page before photocopying. |
Shape note singing is an American a cappella choral tradition with roots that stretch back into the 18th century. We sing four part harmony, printed with shaped note heads which are designed to help with sight reading music.
Characterized by open harmonies and a raw, powerful sound, these tunes speak of death and love and powerful forces. Although shape note music is rooted in Christian hymnody, all religious affiliations (and un-affiliations) are welcome to join us. We sing for each other and the joy of singing. There is no audience and no director. This music designed for participation rather than performance.
Below are a few quick immediate differences you’ll want to know about when you show up.
Shape notes:
The music in The Sacred Harp and Shenandoah Harmony books are written in standard notation, except that the notes appear in four different shapes; therefore the music is also called shape note. This four-note system is used to teach sight reading to people without musical training. Our shape note books use the old four-note English system: fa-sol-la-fa-sol-la-mi-fa. With our shape note system, there’s no need to worry about different keys. Before singing the words to a shape note tune, we “sing the notes” by singing the syllables of the shapes to try to learn our parts before tackling the words.
The Four Parts of the Tune
Where should I sit?
Shape note music is divided into four parts: treble, alto, tenor (or lead), and bass. Depending on inclinations of temperament, timbre, or necessity, the treble and tenor parts are usually sung in both high and low octaves by participants. When in doubt—sing tenor. That’s where the melody is. But feel free to move around to different parts to see what feels comfortable to you.
Is it religious?
Shape note songs are rooted in Christian hymnody, and many of the lyrics speak of faith, mortality, and the soul. But our singings are not religious services — there’s no sermon, no preacher, no expectation that you share any particular belief. Singers of every faith and no faith sing together. What we share is the music itself.
How long does a singing last?
Our regular monthly singings typically run about two to three hours, with a break in the middle. All-day singings really do last all day — usually 10am to 3:30pm, with a long potluck lunch in between. You’re always welcome to come for the whole time or just drop in for part of it; people come and go throughout, and no one will mind.
What if I can’t read music?
You’re in good company — many of our best singers started out unable to read a note. The shape-note system was invented specifically to help people learn to sight-read without formal training: each of the four shapes tells you a syllable (fa, sol, la, mi), and the relationships between them teach your ear the tune. Before singing the words, we always “sing the notes” first, which gives everyone a chance to learn the melody. Sit next to an experienced singer on your part, listen, and join in when you can.
Why are people moving their arms up and down?
This is one of the most baffling aspects of shape note singing for newcomers. The hand and arm motions are a traditional way of keeping time. When a person stands in the middle of the square to lead a song, he moves his arm to indicate the tempo to the rest of the class; other singers join in these peculiar-looking movements because it helps them keep the rhythm—and it can be fun.
There is so much more to learn, and new people are always welcome
and questions encouraged. Come join us!