State College Sacred Harp

The recordings on this page were made on July 17th, 2010 at our Central PA 2010 All-Day Singing in State College.  Over 100 singers from 11 states came together for a day of singing, food, and fellowship. Fifty songs from the  singing are included below. 

Links to public domain scores from the 1860 edition of The Sacred Harp are provided for some of the songs. These scores give the first-time listener an idea of what shape-note music looks like, and something to follow along with as the music plays. It should be noted that alto parts are absent in many of the original three-part Sacred Harp songs.  Alto parts were added to many of these songs after 1860, and are heard in these recordings augmenting the three original parts.

A note to those who are new to Sacred Harp singing:  The main tune of each song is not found on the top line, but typically on the third line of four-part pieces and on the middle line for three-part pieces.  Because many acquainted with modern choral singing are accustomed to hearing the top line carry the melody,  Sacred Harp music may sound a little incomprehensible at first. But listen for the main melody buried in there, sung by both men and women together, and hear the wonderful harmonies that arise in this unique American music.

To start the music playing, click on the "right arrow" under each song name.  Click on "score" to jump down and see the 1860 facsimile score for that song.  Finally, it is a tradition that Sacred Harp music be sung at full volume, so you are invited to turn your computer speakers all the way up as you listen!