Shape Note Singing School

The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit will host a shape note singing school on Saturday, February 7, from 2 to 5 p.m. This event is free, and open to the whole Vashon Community.

Shape note singing will be taught by Karen Willard of Seattle. All voices are welcome. Books available for loan & for sale at event.

Mary Rose O’Reilley, the island contact for this event, says, “In a Singing School new singers are led by experienced singers to better understand shape note singing as well as the folkways associated with the tradition. Shape Note—also called Sacred Harp-- singing is a robust American music tradition built around a cappella music in four-part harmony.

“The music is passionate, raucous and often a deeply spiritual experience for the participants—it’s been called by those who know (teenagers) Death Metal Folk. If you think you can’t sing but are willing to put your spirit out there, join us.”

Texts are drawn from a repertory of bloody minded, politically incorrect 19th century hymn tunes, which most singers engage with metaphorically. Interesting voices are more useful in the tradition than pretty ones, but if you have a pretty voice you won’t be turned away. Off-key singers give the music a nice folky edge. If you can’t keep the beat and come in at the wrong time, well, that’ll make it interesting.

Sacred Harp is less a performance than a community event. Singers (this could be you) sit in the traditional “hollow square,” facing each other, so that all voice parts can see and hear each other. There are no rehearsals, no audience; it’s all participatory.

Why is it called “Shape Note”? Because the printed notes are literally shaped like squares, circles, and diamonds .They represent tones on a modified solfege scale (fa-so-la-fa-so-la-mi). “Singing the shapes” is a lively prelude to singing each text and has its own percussive energy. It also develops sight-reading skill.

Why is it called “Sacred Harp?” The “sacred harp” was, according to an old metaphor, the human body. Because of its resonant fourths and fifths delivered in full voice, shape note music offers the body a new way to vibrate.