42nd Annual New England Sacred Harp Convention
Friday, Sept. 29, Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1
City Hall, Burlington

We warmly invite you to us this weekend for the 42nd Annual New England Sacred Harp Singing Convention (goo.gl/TKY7YZ) in downtown Burlington. This rotating annual community singing event carries on a unique New England singing tradition dating back to the 1700s. Two days of “shape note singing” are expected to attract over 200 singers from across the country to sing in Burlington’s historic City Hall.

Originating in New England, this haunting music has survived over 200 years in the rural Deep South, where today devoted singers break open The Sacred Harp in old country churches. Sacred Harp or “shape note” singing is often considered a “missing link” in American old-time and early gospel music. You may have already heard this singing style in the recent historical films, Cold Mountain and Gangs of New York. Sacred Harp singing is now experiencing a revival with groups learning to sing the music throughout the US and Europe.

The weekend will begin on Friday with a traditional “singing school” taught by Buell Cobb of Alabama and Nathan Rees of Georgia from 7:00-9:30pm. Two of the most revered instructors in the Sacred Harp community who travel internationally to preserve this tradition, Professors Cobb and Rees will teach a participatory workshop that explores the history, music, and traditions of Sacred Harp singing, including instruction on leading and singing with accent. New singers and practiced singers alike will find much to learn in this engaging and accessible lesson. Buell will also share a reading from his book, Like Cords Around My Heart: A Sacred Harp Memoir. A book signing and refreshments will follow. Books will be for sale for $20 and the 8-CD audiobook is $40.

Open singing will take place on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am to 3:30pm, with a potluck dinner on the grounds at 12:30pm. Participants will sing from The Sacred Harp (1991 Denson edition), a much-loved shape note tunebook in continuous use since its original publication in 1844.

The convention is free and no singing experience is necessary. All ages and abilities are welcome. The shape note system was designed to teach people with no musical training how to sing and our methods continue this goal today. Songbooks will be available to borrow and purchase. Come and go as you please throughout the weekend. All events are free; donations appreciated.

Free parking is available in the Edmunds Middle School parking lot, behind the main school building. The address is 300 Maple Street.

Any questions, contact Anna Mays at anna.mays@gmail.com or 484-459-1916. We hope you will join us!