Sacred Harp singing is the largest surviving branch of traditional American shape note singing. Singers in this tradition sing without accompaniment and sit arranged by vocal part in a "hollow square," facing one another across the square and taking turns at leading from the middle of the square. The songs are sung loudly, a cappella, with spirit and enthusiasm, and rich four-part harmonies fill the room. The leader of each song sets the tempo with a simple vertical arm movement, and singers sitting in the square often beat time with the leader.
Songs are sung from a tune book called The Sacred Harp, first published in 1844 and continuously updated since then. It includes more than 500 a cappella hymns, odes, and anthems. Copies of "The Sacred Harp" (1991 Denson Edition) will be available throughout the day – to borrow and to buy ($20).
While the origins of this music can be traced back to Renaissance England, the singing tradition reached a peak of development in early New England, as itinerant singing masters set words to hymns, ballads, and folk tunes, and taught their songs in singing schools. However, it was in the American South that shape note singing found an enduring home. Today, the South is home to well-organized singing conventions, some of which date back more than 100 years.
Sacred Harp singing is a community musical and social event that emphasizes participation rather than performance. The convention is open to anyone: people who want to sing or to just listen. No experience or musical background is necessary.
The Triangle Sacred Harp Singers meet twice a month on Sundays: the second Sunday of each moth they meet at the First Presbyterian Church, 305 E Main St, in downtown Durham; and the fourth Sunday of each month they meet at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center, 119 Ambassador Loop, in Cary, N.C.
The Sacred Harp convention is free of charge, and pre-registration is not required. Song books will be available to borrow or purchase. For more information and directions to the event, email Lynda Hambourger lhambourger@
