About Us
Hi! We are a group of Sacred Harp singers in Bloomington, IN. Sacred Harp, or shape note singing, is a tradition that dates back to our country’s founding. We gather regularly to sing with and for each other, with no accompanying instruments. What does it sound like? Like nothing you’ve ever heard before. Tunes range in style from rousing and jubilent, to contemplative, to mournful. Ours is a tradition that emphasizes participation and we welcome you to come join us and, yes, we’ll loan you a book!
Information about Sacred Harp, and shape note music in general is abundant on the web. Wikipedia, of course, has a good introduction. Fasola.org maintains a trove of historical information and a comprehensive list of annual all-day singing events. If you haven’t already seen it, there’s a terrific documentary called, “Awake My Soul.”
The best way to learn more about Sacred Harp singing is to experience it in person…All-day or multi-day singing conventions, with traditional potluck “dinner on the grounds” at noon, are the core of the Sacred Harp tradition…Some conventions have been meeting in the same or nearby location for 150 years or more. – fasola.org
