Sacred Harp Singing

A short piece on PGTC about the renewed interest in Sacred Harp singing among younger singers, especially those who live in cities and college towns. Includes footage from "Awake My Soul: The Story of the Sacred Harp" and its companion CD, "Help Me to Sing".

[@PaleRider54]

Standing in the center of a shaped note sing is more powerful than you can possibly imagine if you've never experienced it. All those voices singing at maximum volume, all directed at you in the center, gets right down into your bones.

[@zerochaos1]

This was always referred to as Shape Note Singing in Appalachia when I was a boy. This video does not really bring it to life. It is filled with faith, worship, and a love for the Lord above all. It is simple, powerful, and worshipful.

[@R3tr0humppa]

I think they emphasised on the social aspect of the singing, as coming together to create sth. to enjoy. Faith/ worship is the other part, but you don't necessarily need it to enjoy this, it's still powerful. I'd say they did it justice in that aspect. :)

[@janeydear]

It's been a tradition that has not died out in the South. My Grandmother's funeral had Sacred Harp singing in 1982 in Alabama. It has been in our family for as long as I can remember.

[@autumnmist3905]

My grandfather lead sacred harp down in Mississippi.

[@jewboy761]

That was 50+ yrs ago, no offense..

[@mamabear4576]

@@jewboy761 38 years ago

[@davidmeyer6908]

Thank you Cold Mountain for introducing me to this. Singing the bass line loud and proud in Michigan.

[@rachelchapman6966]

Same!

[@johndavid8815]

My cousins were the singers in the movie. The whole family sings at the family reunion in North Alabama.

[@scionofgrace]

Gorgeous! There's a certain beauty to singing in a choir that has nothing to do with how polished it sounds.

[@markw.mullins2208]

The name of the book actually says it all. Sacred Harp. Yes, some people can sing country music, some pop, rock, blues, rhythms, and so forth. This singing mixes every form of sweet Gospel, and Living Legend Writing. Many are attracted, but only those who, are in faith believing, and do worship the One, The Only Living God, actually can feel this way down deep where it counts. I have sang Gospel Music with my family for well over sixty years. I was taught by my Father the old original eight shaped note singing. Its as familiar to me as breathing. I learned the four note, Sacred Harp singing on my own. I love it so much, and what it means to actually be singing this historic music. I'm glad I did. I have enjoyed listening to many groups sing Sacred Harp, and they all sound so great. It lifts you up off the floor at times, and makes you feel.... just a little closer to Heaven.

[@LisaMaier]

Love this! I had never heard of Sacred Harp till just a few minutes ago. Especially in this age of arms-length social interaction mediated through technology, this is a definitely a more human interaction. So refreshing.

[@loreleih7487]

I have been to a singing in Chicago. Just being in the room, surrounded by other singers, the music vibrates in your lungs and in your bones, even if you aren't singing. The harmony produces a kind of exhilaration.

[@woschaebedip]

After being obsessed with the Pottsfield song in Over the Garden Wall for years I am so delighted to find more like it now that I know the name of the style

[@jeaniecarlin2084]

singing together is so important for the soul...of all of us!

[@cardinalflower135]

Amen to that!

[@davnkatz]

When I was in 2nd or 3rd grade (I'm now 81), in "music appreciation" we learned shape note music and singing. It was fun but challenging. It was only years later that I learned its origin.

[@donbowen6426]

Well i bless. I was raised in this I remember going to the 1971 Georgia State convention in Villa Rica Georgia The people who sings this means the world me

[@ashcan1979]

My Grandfather's church (Second Creek Baptist in 5 Points TN) held a singing school when I was 12. I attended and learned to sign shape notes, and went to many singings across the south with him. I still remember the fist song I ever lead (Happy Land 354). I still know all the words and most of the notes by heart to many songs we sang. I will never forget what I learned with him.

[@verdew8181]

In the Church of Christ back in the 50s to early 60s we used a shape note hymn book, "Great Songs of the Church". Even very young children got to sing along with the adults so that made me feel special, and every service you could always hear all these little cooing and trilling sounds from the babies enjoying the sound so much.

[@ShaneMiller1967]

Also church of Christ we use a form of acappella that utilizes shapenotes but it is not sacred harp.Sacred harp uses shape notes but in a different form.there are various forms./styles of shape notation.

[@birdstuckinchimney]

I'm from NZ and I while I agree that it's from "American history and culture" I think it is way bigger than that. When I listen to it and sing it I hear the raw struggle and pure emotion of the human spirit facing head-on the juxtaposition of the human journey ie; life, love, joy, hope, human potential, versus, our mortality and ultimate demise...... This is hard to encapsulate in music but Sacred Harp does it for me every time...

[@leanneteachey1508]

Sang for several years with Hoboken, GA sacred harp singers. It was an amazing experience-fun and upliftiing!

[@brysonkennedy5527]

Hello! How are you doing today! Please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you're a fan!....Stay safe

[@rjfoxhovenschannel9303]

God loves you so much more than you'll ever imagine He will never leave you nor forsake you Christianity is not a religion but its the best relationship 💯✝️💙🙏⛪

[@johng0908]

I love this. It seems to lift my heart and soul. Please keep this form of music alive.

[@kkallebb]

Wow, this is some of the best shape-note singing I've heard on KZbin.

[@sarosch]

I first heard this music at the Fox Hollow Folk Festival in the 70s, early in the morning on a small stage, about 20 singers had gathered and the sound just BLEW ME AWAY!! It was like music from the movie Ben-Hur or something - I'd never heard choral singing so primitive, powerful, and joyous all at once. Since then I've sung it in the Philadelphia Revels and local groups when I can find them. Participating in the singing is almost better than listening, as you become part of the big sound, enwrapped in the music itself.

[@waltperry5781]

Thrilling! Zulu unaccompanied traditional vocal music sounds like this.

[@Grisbi6]

If I were younger and could sing, I would love to participate in a group like this one....

[@kirkedney7658]

Sacred Harp singing came into being with the 1844 publication of Benjamin Franklin White and Elisha J. King’s The Sacred Harp. It was this book, now distributed in several different versions, that came to be the shape note tradition with the largest number of participants. B. F. White (1800-1879) was originally from Union County, South Carolina, but since 1842 had been living in Harris County, Georgia. He prepared The Sacred Harp in collaboration with a younger man, E. J. King, (ca. 1821-44), who was from Talbot County, Georgia. Together they compiled, transcribed, and composed tunes, and published a book of over 250 songs. From Wikipedia

[@HowardARoark]

That's amazing, a great way for people to get together and enjoy music which is a good therapy for the soul. Mainstream music has so much egotism to it, focusing obsessively on certain individuals, but this is a much more natural musical experience.

[@verdew8181]

It's so very gratifying to see this type of singing coming back, over 50 years ago I used to love it so much up to age 10 in the Church of Christ. Never being a believer in any dogma, singing was the one thing I truly loved about church. Most other churches use musical instruments and modern arrangements, this is so much better. The little girl is right about that harmonious feeling the music inspires.

[@AnnaCatherineB]

It's so beautiful! I heard it first in music style class and I fell in love with it in Over the Garden Wall from cartoon network.

[@ClaireConrad]

I wouldn't call this a "short piece"! VERY glad it is NOT short!

[@patmaurer8541]

Intentional singing triggers the vagus nerve, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system--the part of our brain that tells our body: you're safe, relax and enjoy life. :-)

[@brysonkennedy5527]

Hello! How are you doing today! Please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you're a fan!....Stay safe

[@Vera-kh8zj]

wonderful. A priest sent me the link. Thank you, LJM! what a blessing.

[@colbysmith81]

Heard Idumea using a smartphone app on tv about amish life in the states. Loved the effect the song had and from someone who likes metal, i found this spine tinkling. Just wish i could sing and there was something like this in london.

[@LovingAtlanta]

👍😍🤩💖Fantastic and that little Holly was so adorable. I wonder if she’s still into this music. Since this video was posted 12 years ago….I bet she’s a cool well adjusted, well rounded and balanced person. 💝

[@gsharp881]

"It's a truly indie art form" - When the narrator said this, I stopped the video, sighed heavily and rolled my eyes so hard I nearly blinded myself! Goodness!

[@85mello07]

Ah yes - Saint Augustine wrote about this reality of the hiddenness of true motivation and spiritual process. I think it was in his Confessions (but I very well could be mistaken). He lamented that other persons could not "lay their ear to my heart, where I am what I am." (That's a rough approximation of the quote.) It is hard to imagine singing these wonderful songs and nothing at all go on in the heart.

[@JanetWilliams01]

I haven't thought about Sacred Harp, or shape note singing in a long, long time. Glad to hear it's still around!

[@brysonkennedy5527]

Hello! How are you doing today! Please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you're a fan!....Stay safe

[@Braidwoodsf]

Honestly feeling called out about their description of young people who get into sacred harp music :')

[@conantheseptuagenarian3824]

man, i wish i would have known about this back in the '00s. would have saved my faith and me a lot of hell.

[@bj.s.7687]

Hope all is well now

[@flautalee3090]

They learn to sing use “solfège" or “solfeggio" - I learned that at Conservatory in the 70’s. I took 5 semesters of this! It’s taught in some some elementary and secondary schools, and in every music school in the US. Wonderful!❤❤

[@DanaLMFoster]

What a great video and explanation of FaSoLa. Thanks for taking the time to make and share this video! I've been singing FaSoLa for nearly 30 years.

[@jimdavis8391]

This moved me.

[@grebnecher]

V-E-R-Y helpful video in explaining/promoting Sacred Harp. Thanks for posting!

[@denniswalters1763]

This is Beautiful music.

[@franklinuroda6474]

Love this. Notes look like Gregorian Chant notation. Great gift of self in song to Jesus (Sacre Heart) I wish my parish congregation would sing as these folks sing.

[@fazbell]

Such a beautiful tradition.

[@JRT5573]

I was introduced to this sort of singing in about 1985 when I borrowed from our local public library an album of early American choral music performed by the Oregon State University Choir. It is entitled: Make a Joyful Noise: Mainstreams and Backwaters of American Psalmody, 1770-1840 and is still available on CD. I have since listened to quite a bit of this music and read somewhat about it. The most interesting thing I recall reading abut it was that it was made for singing, not listening. Of course, the reference was to the fact that it was designed for amateurs to sing (the whole shaped not system was designed to teach non-music readers how to sing written music) and the result was that it does not always sound that good. Not only that, the harmonization patterns are not like the polished European harmonies of that time period. But, I live it. Wish there were some around here who would like to get together and sing it.

[@Zadamanim]

"ya'know, ACT ugly" adorable

[@Rustymouse]

truly energetic and harmonious.

[@theyoodoo]

Music is the best form of prayer.

[@LindaGriggsable]

Thank you for making this video. I've found it useful for promoting the music.

[@ninjagoggles]

This is so great! Awesome to see so many of you lovelies! :) Also, that is not footage of WMSHC when she talks about it. :)

[@sockknitter1308]

I first heard this in 1975 in the Folklore Society of Greater Washington, which had a very active Sacred Harp group (still does).

[@mh605]

Some of its roots are from West Gallery music in England, and the hymn writers did use some popular tunes that were floating around, some of which might have come over from England or Ireland. But it is, indeed, a truly American musical art form. Most of the writers and composers were American--born and raised here.

[@Bloom358]

Praise going up to heaven.. this is an act of worship. How can you separate the two?

[@RobertSlover]

wonderful thanks for sharing!

[@ChristianHomebirth]

Very well said and done!

[@bloodyfrets]

This is so great it gives me goosebumps!

[@allegriajoy]

szzgable, it's "The Traveler" by Cordelia's Dad, track 8 on the disc "Help Me To Sing" in the two-album collection "Awake My Soul/Help Me To Sing" that is available through any major music retailer. I highly recommend the albums. Awake My Soul is the untouched Sacred Harp singing and Help Me To Sing is individual artists' interpretations of Sacred Harp songs.

[@CarolynAnnFarmer]

Thank you for this video!

[@itsjustrenee1320]

"i , i don't think i've never met anyone who's mean or ugly in sacred harp so, you know, ACT ugly, (titter)" lol

[@michaelheintz8853]

Potomac Sacred Harp serves the entire Washington DC area n and is very active.

[@ClaireConrad]

Thank you for uploading this clear educational video and showing how varied the singers are nowadays. You balanced the new full-color with the old sepia frames so well! And you combined different voices in interesting ways. Question: Could you go back into your intro and give the full form of the initialism PGTC?

[@earllambert4265]

I like to hear this.

[@marys2382]

My dad had recorded my great grandfather singing this.

[@sariahseare3753]

Don't forget about The Southern Harmony! More shape note glory!

[@eddiesamuel1]

This is amazing!

[@fiolakidd9807]

You are cordially invited to the "Kiirtan Hour 2017©" global event . You can find all the information on the event page "Kiirtan for Peace and All Round Prosperity©". This is a free and non-denominational event. Listen to the mantra we are using, Baba Nam Kevalam. The sound is in the "Kiirtan Hour 2017©" document. Please join us and invite anyone you like. Sing the Mantra, enjoy it's benefits, and if you feel like it send us a simple phone video of you singing the Mantra alone or with friends to help inspire others.

[@MarcusWhitman]

@szzgable It's a rendition of number 108b in the Sacred Harp, "The Traveler", sung by the band Cordelia's Dad.

[@annanicholson5309]

Just learned about it today. A group met in the music space just below my apartment. I had to check it out and wow it's fun

[@brysonkennedy5527]

Hello! How are you doing today! Please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you're a fan!....Stay safe

[@mh605]

Sacred Harp singing is one of several surviving shape note traditions. It's arguably the most popular one.

[@JTB1956]

@lsdvine A license was required to preach at least in some of the eastern colonies(Virginia), which meant that the Church of England rules were followed under pain of imprisonment and torture. Not so much in other places..the hills and mountains. Those folks never followed anybody's "rules", and still don't today. Few could read and write, fewer still with music. That's where this music really took root and still survives. It's as American as jazz or bluegrass. BTW most of us have Native blood.

[@boomboom08060]

I found out about Sacred Harp thru KZbin !

[@GerardPerry]

Ditto.

[@AriD2385]

@gnaaaaaman I agree. Sacred Harp singing without the spirituality of it is to miss the essence of the music. William Billings in particular...some the most deeply moving theological verses I've had the joy of hearing. Singing is spiritual fellowship, all the more so in this genre. I'm glad different types of people enjoy it (I wouldn't be considered the typical fan), but I hope people don't try and make it "hip" or as they said, "indie". It is what it is and is beautiful as such.

[@rossshin184]

In Italy we use the shape note, indeed, cause we don't have A B C D... We have Do(low) Re Mi Fa Sol La Si Do(high).

[@judok1426]

Revive it. It's a good time to show some thankfulness for our european and european american heritage, We owe it to our forefathers..

[@dougelmore9035]

Shared. Good vid.

[@85mello07]

It is a fine reason. If the character of this form of song embodies the resistance of Christian faith to the dominant cultural ethos, unlike the accommodation of much of what passes for Christianity, then God bless it. Some may never embrace the faith, but it's not insignificant that the great spiritual renewals have throughout the Common Era been accompanied by song. So some may find the depth so beautifully reflected in these songs.

[@michaelheintz8853]

FASoLA is here to stay! This is a culture frozen in time which is still alive!

[@cbrowo]

The song is 424 Sweet Union

[@ernst_junger]

This singing will always be deeply woven in the roots of faith in Jesus Christ, the one it is intended to glorify

[@brysonkennedy5527]

Hello! How are you doing today! Please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you're a fan!....Stay safe

[@polintr]

1000th like! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@13580863]

These meanings exist in the music on their own terms, not just ours. What I meant by postmodern was the sense that they stop at what's "sufficient to our needs". Isn't it the "uncompromising" meanings which are spiritually attractive to begin with? My basic concern was the nature of words. I don't think one takes only what one wants, how one wants it, from them; their meanings take effect, individually, collectively, despite our efforts. Like a spell, or a prayer. That's their value and danger.

[@tnielsenhayden]

1. It's silly to fret and argue about the uses singers make of songs. Some of those uses, maybe most of them, are bound to differ from what you think is appropriate, and there's nothing you can do about it. Music, like the Holy Spirit, goes wherever it will, and does what you don't expect. :|||: 2. I notice that some commenters think "young, urban, not necessarily religious" equals "hipster." That's a mistake. Even among city dwellers, hipsters are a small, specialized sub-tribe, and the closer you look, the fewer of them there are. :|||: 3. I did my first Sacred Harp singing a quarter-century ago, introduced to it by my fellow science fiction fans. It's a joy to walk into a party on the last night of an SF convention and find a group of singers tuning up for "Babylon Is Fallen" or "On Jordan's Stormy Banks." So tell me: where does that fit on your maps?

[@13580863]

Makes enough sense that reading about the colonization of other planets could lead to singing about promised land and transmigration.

[@13580863]

Besides, the word "hipster" is not as much for singling out beards and sweaters (though they're there) as singling out an attitude, for instance, xkcd's characteristic of contemporary hipsterdom: "retreat into ironic detachment while still clearly participating in the thing in question". When I see "not necessarily religious" people using overtly religious lyrics, followed by your disavowal of any responsibility to explain that use, I see a "retreat into ironic detachment".

[@nolawest5183]

@ 5:30 This man looks so much like Val Kilmer the actor @ around that age... I wonder if there is any relation - that he knows of? I want to join the Bay Area Harp Singers. I think it would be a great experience!

[@marfaxa]

faceblind^

[@fightfairfightfair]

The song is "The Traveler" by Cordelia's Dad. You're welcome.

[@Theta411]

XD That is actually a good description of a cantor! Just wondering, does your shul have the congregation sing some songs all together? (Such as Veshamru, Anim Zmirot, or Adon Olam?) I really enjoy those parts of the service, but then, I love singing in general.

[@Jahtso]

God I wish that were me

[@hthr]

I've sung with many of the people in this video!

[@mh605]

Yes, anyone can come.

[@karenschulz6733]

Last comment was 2 years ago. Not good! Is this still going on?!

[@edcew8236]

Alice Parker has arranged many of these tunes for more conventional choirs

[@cecilyerker]

At least SOMEBODY'S keeping the music alive! Aren't you showing prejudice by saying certain kinds of people can't perform it? Would you tell the Jews at the Terezin concentration camp that they couldn't sing Verdi's Requiem because they weren't Catholic? If atheists and agnostics are performing Sacred Harp alongside Christians then isn't that proof of a great example of setting your differences aside to achieve great love and unity?

[@akimlettner2984]

thank you!

[@kn1ght-788]

10 years late to the party, but if you wanna start singing a certain way, you do you man. I mean i'm twelve, and I do opera music as a hobby

[@Elizatori]

True that!! ;)

[@jerkerkruse4541]

someone knows what song it is in the beginning? before her loevly voice breaks in.

[@islandbuoy4]

Sacred harps are designed to awaken the Sacred heART within namaste

[@1fallstaff]

By the way I was raised in cullman alabama mother's fam from bugtussel al.

[@odovicor]

"In my house there are many mansions." Or something like that. I am happy that any and all, hipsters and hillbillies (me) alike, "make a joyful noise unto the Lord" or whatever. Why do some of you respondees to this music elect to make something ugly out of the beautiful? It boggles the mind--and reason. Sing on!!!!!

[@annak1371]

Did she say that they don't use all of the notes? Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La, Ti, and Do? Why not?

[@mgsilverhead9636]

It was originally made for "uneducated" folk to be able to do it ... the basics... plus, the harmonies created with only those 4 tones are a very distinctive sound.

[@13580863]

To their credit, the singers I know of denounce technical prerequisites with habitual quickness. So I don't foresee ability excluding future participation. There are plenty of virtuosic traditional singers anyway, right? Still, many of us who didn't find it through church found it through our music schooling, having learned certain technique and exactitude which comes out in singing. Sorry for the essay.

[@darkdfa]

What is the name of the track that starts at 3:32?

[@huntingvuk]

thank you! :)

[@bmphil3400]

It's very popular in the Primitive Baptist Church.....(not snake handlers....lol) Old Line Primitive Baptist does not believe in instruments in the church so Acapella is all they do but 4 note " singings" are usually a special event.