Seattle Sacred Harp presents a two-hour Shape Note Singing School for singers of all abilities, taught by Kevin Barrans and Seattle Sacred Harp singers.
Background
Shape note singing, or Sacred Harp, is a participatory musical and folk singing tradition practiced in the United States for more than 200 years. It is sung in four-part harmony with singers seated in a "hollow-square" facing one another, unaccompanied and keyed by ear, and uses oblong tunebooks written in shape notation. There are no auditions, rehearsals or performances.
While most of the songs have lyrics rooted in Protestant Christian tradition, no particular religious or political philosophy is embraced or endorsed by this community. Everyone, regardless of musical experience, background, I or creed, is welcome in our community and our singings. Come experience American polyphonic singing in the Pacific Northwest.
For more information about shape note singing in Seattle, see www.seattlesacredharp.org.