Community Class Series: Shape Note Sing (Fall)
*This class has reached capacity
Come join in this joyful American way of socializing in sacred song. Shape note singing goes back over 200 years, survived in the rural South to be revived in the rest of the US in the 1970s and 80s, and is now practiced internationally. It is a folk tradition of singing in four-part harmony using books printed in a special notation.
The “shape notes”, invented around 1800 to supplement the Fa-So-La syllables of traditional English music teaching, help the singer to sing at sight, without the need to understand key signatures. We will show you how to use them to turn what’s on the page into harmonious song. Experienced local singers will be on hand to help lead each of the four harmony parts.
Prerequisites: This class is for you if you can sing pretty much in tune and like to sing with others. There’s no need for choral experience. Since we learn from books, please consult with us if you have any visual impairment to find out if we can make it work for you.
Check out these additional resources for more information:
· Art Zone: Kevin Barrans explains Sacred Harp singing
· Pittsburgh Shape Note Singers Facebook group
Refunds, Pro-rates and Cancellation Policy: Refunds will only be issued if Calliope cancels a class due to insufficient enrollment. If that happens, you will be notified in advance and will receive a refund or credit within 30 days from the start of class. No refunds will be given to those who cancel their registration within 2 days before a class starts or after class begins. Classes may not be pro-rated; please plan accordingly. Confirmations will be sent approximately a week before a class starts via email (please specify if you prefer to be contacted by phone).
Penny Anderson began singing shape note music in the 1980s and took over organ...