Welcome to the Home of the
State College Sacred Harp Singers
The State College Sacred Harp Singers are a group of about 20 people
who have been meeting twice a month for shape note singing since
October of 2007. Come and join us for one of our regular singings.
2nd & 4th Mondays
7:00-8:30pm
University Mennonite Church
1606 Norma Street
State College, PA
Come experience shape-note singing, a tradition that’s been vibrant since the days when Kentucky was the frontier! Join us for a traditional singing from “The Sacred Harp” (1844), a collection of early American folk hymns and spiritual songs. This four-part music is sung a capella, and uses shaped notes--diamonds, circles, squares, and triangles--to help singers sight-read their parts. Singers arrange themselves facing inward in a hollow square, singing for each other and not an audience.
Sacred Harp singings were wildly popular in rural 19th century, sometimes attracting over 1000 singers! The songs are loud, rhythmic, and full of interesting harmonies. Many who
have never considered themselves singers have been drawn to this singing tradition, and
have used the shape notes as invaluable aids to sight-read four-part harmony music.
Sacred Harp singings are both social and spiritual events, and are experiencing a huge resurgence of popularity today. Check it out!
Beginners are invited to come at 6:45pm for a brief introduction to shape note singing.
To find out more about what to expect at a shape-note singing, click here. To find out more about Sacred Harp music and hear what it sounds like, click here.For more information, contact Hal Kunkel at 814-364-2221 or hal.kunkel@gmail.com.