By Atlanta Sacred Harp
In April 2025, local singers will present a three-night workshop in traditional shape note singing. The workshop is on successive Thursdays (April 3, 10, and 17) from 7:00pm to 9:00pm and takes place at the Georgia Center for Nonprofits near Madison Yards and the BeltLine.
Sacred Harp (also known as shape-note) singing is a participatory communal singing tradition, in existence in the United States since the eighteenth century. The music’s sound is characterized by haunting harmonies, traditional modes, and high energy. It is sung exuberantly in full voice, making this an excellent environment for newcomers to develop their singing confidence.
The term Sacred Harp refers to the human voice and is also the name of the most common book of shape note tunes, first published in Georgia in 1844 and most recently revised in 1991. There are no performers, audience, rehearsals, or auditions in Sacred Harp singing – instead, people meet for the enjoyment of singing together. Nor are there conductors or directors – anyone may lead a song from the tunebook. And all are invited to sing, or just listen. Sacred Harp songs are known for their distinctive harmonies and powerful expression, and have influenced classic artists like the Carter Family, and contemporary musicians like Laurie Anderson, T Bone Burnett, Bonnie “Prince” Billy, and Sam Amidon.
The three-night participatory workshop is for all those interested in learning to sing in a friendly, non-performance environment. No prior musical experience or skill set is needed. Singers will learn the basics of melody and harmony singing, get practice reading music using traditional shape note symbols, and discover a rich body of American folk hymns.
The workshop is free and open to anyone. The first session will be taught by David Ivey, a lifelong Sacred Harp singer from Alabama. Ivey is co-founder and director of Camp Fasola, a summer camp for teaching Sacred Harp music and traditions. He has received the National Endowment for the Arts’ prestigious National Heritage Fellowship award and presently serves as Chair of the Revision-Music Committee for the new edition of the Sacred Harp tunebook, to debut in fall 2025. Other sessions will be taught by Sasha Hsuczyk and Andy Ditzler, experienced Sacred Harp singers and musicians.
The Sacred Harp Singing for Beginners workshop is an opportunity to learn a deep American musical tradition, build confidence, and connect with others through a shared passion for singing. The Georgia Center for Nonprofits building is located at 881 Memorial Drive; the entrance for the venue is in the back of the building near 340 Chester Avenue. Further information about the workshop may be found at www.atlantasacredharp.org/events/singingschool2025.html. For more information on Atlanta Sacred Harp, visit www.atlantasacredharp.org.
The workshop is held in advance of the annual Atlanta all-day Sacred Harp singing, to be held on Saturday, April 26 at the First Existentialist Congregation in Candler Park from 10:00am to 3:00pm.
