What to Expect
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What happens at a singing?
Going to a shape note singing for the first time can be intimidating. Below is a general outline of what happens at our Floyd group's regular singings.
People generally arrive up to 10 minutes before the singing. There’s no RSVP or attendee tracking — you just show up!
There are two monthly singings you can attend, which run from 6:30-8:30 p.m. See our Singings page for location, parking, and entrance information.
Tunebooks will be in bins for people to borrow upon entering. Explanations of the shapes and music notation are in the first section of each tunebook, but ask questions to get an overview off the bat.
Seating is set up in a square with Tenors facing Altos, and Trebles facing Basses — you can join any section regardless of gender, though Bass parts typically accommodate the lowest male register and Alto a lower feminine register. If you don’t know what section you’ll be comfortable with, it’s generally safe to choose the Tenor section, which has the melody. Feel free to try different parts throughout the night!
Starting at 6:30, everyone gets an opportunity to choose a song from the tunebooks to sing. Choose any you like — maybe they have an interesting name or lyrics — or choose one completely at random! You are also free to pass.
After a song is chosen, someone will “key” the song to give each section their first note.
The first time through a song, we "sing the shapes," saying the name of each shaped notehead (▲ fa - ● so - ■ la - ♦ mi) rather than singing the lyrics. Singing the shapes help us learn the tune for our part, whether we’ve sung it before or not. The technique is astonishingly helpful, but it takes time to learn through exposure and practice. Sometimes even experienced singers are stumped, and we will briefly try to figure parts out together before returning to the beginning to add the lyrics.
Halfway through the evening, we go around the square to introduce ourselves before taking a quick break. There are usually hot drinks and throat lozenges available. This is also a good time to ask questions. We then return after the break to go around the square again to choose songs.
At around 8:30, we sing a closing song, standing when we get to the words, and close out with a prayer.
FAQ
What if I don’t know how to read (shape note) music?
No problem — we’re all learning too! This may be the best money-free, judgement-free crash course in learning music notation.
There are online shape note resources to get you started, but everyone will be happy to guide you through the basics. There’s nothing shape note singers like more than to explain shape note music.
If you have read traditional sheet music before, either for choir or an instrument, then much of shape note music will look familiar.
What if I’ve never sung in a choir?
There is a Zimbabwean proverb that says: "If you can walk, you can dance; if you can talk, you can sing." There are very few people who are actually tone deaf. Mostly people need practice and encouragement.
Whether you have 50 years of choir experience or have never sung in your life, we’d love for you to join us. Unlike in a traditional choir, the shape note tradition is about participation, not performance. Some bring their beautiful singing talent, but the rest of us sound more like we’re shouting than singing — in fact, the louder you sing, the easier it is to tune yourself to others’ voices, and gives this music its distinct sound.
Are there concerts?
As said above, shape note singings are about participation and not performance. We sing for the joy of singing, so there are no concerts.
That said, you are free to join us and merely observe to start off.
What do these songs sound like?
The books we sing from are a part of an older American music tradition that lost popularity over time. Their distinct, open sound is difficult to describe without getting into music theory.
There are numerous recordings on Youtube to help give you a sense (the recordings from Cork, Ireland are particularly good), but much like taking pictures of a stain glass window, the best way to experience it is in person.
What tunebooks do you sing from? Do I need to purchase them?
There are many different shape note tunebooks out there. We sing from The Sacred Harp (1991 Denson Revision), The Shenandoah Harmony, and The Valley Pocket Harmonist. Loaner books are available to borrow for each singing.
If you find yourself wanting to review the tunebooks at home or habitually returning, these books are also available for purchase from their respective publishers — The Sacred Harp Publishing Company and The Shenandoah Harmony Publishing Company.
Do I need to be a Christian?
No. While the songs are part of an American Christian tradition and most singings will involve prayer, the music has a universal appeal, evoking themes of life, death (a lot of death), nature, longing for home, and friendship. Whatever your faith (or non-faith) you will find something that resonates.
We welcome everyone, regardless of religious background, affiliation, or identity, because the music sounds better when more people sing together.
Do I need to pay anything to attend?
No! There is no cost to participate. We gratefully accept donations to cover miscellaneous expenses for the group, but they are not expected.