North Carolina Sacred Harp Convention Scheduled fro March 6

Feb. 17, 2010 - PRLog -- Cary, N.C.— Singers and non-singers are invited to attend the annual North Carolina Sacred Harp singing convention on Saturday, March 6. The convention takes place at the Page Walker Art and History Center in Cary from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Festivities include a traditional “dinner on the grounds” potluck at noon, bookended by community singing sessions from 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

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, 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 singing conventions, including some that 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 Shape Note Singers of the Triangle Area meet on the fourth Sunday of the month in Cary from 2-4 p.m.; they also meet in Durham on the second Sunday of the month from 2-4 p.m.

The Sacred Harp Convention and the monthly sings are free of charge, and pre-registration is not required. Song books will be available to borrow or purchase at the convention. For more information and directions to the event, e-mail Lynda Hambourger at lhambourger@gmail.com or visit the Sacred Harp website: www.ncshapenote.org.

# # #

PineCone—the Piedmont Council of Traditional Music, is a private, nonprofit, charitable membership organization dedicated to preserving, presenting and promoting traditional music, dance and other folk performing arts.