Please join us for Shape-Note Singing this Sunday, July 9, from 1:00 to 3:00pm at the Rec. Park Picnic Pavilion off Mary Hogan Drive in Middlebury.

Shape-Note singing is an American traditional style of social and spiritual, community singing. It's called Shape Note because the notes of the scale are indicated by distinctive shapes and names. Singers sit in parts – treble, tenor, bass, and alto – on four sides of a hollow square, facing and singing to each other, thus achieving a very sociable and musical experience.

This tradition began in the late 1700s, when itinerant singing school masters - such as Vermonters Justin Morgan and Jeremiah Ingalls - travelled around early New England rural villages. Middlebury shape note singers carry on this tradition with monthly singings around Addison County.

We sing from the Sacred Harp song book in 4-part harmony, a cappella (without instruments). Free open to all. middleburyshapenote@gmail.com

DIRECTIONS: The Rec Park pavilion is one block south of the town green, on Mary Hogan Drive, off Route 7 (Court Street). Park in the adjacent school parking lot.
* Picnic tables are available in the pavilion. Bring a chair or a cushion if you'd like.
* Bring your own song book and water and snack.
* Sacred Harp loaner books will be available. Also books for sale ($25).
* Songs from other tune books are welcome; please bring photocopies (c20).

WEATHER ALERT: - In case of really bad weather, we'll relocate to the Ilsley Library Community Room, 75 Main St., Enter through the lower-level rear door, adjacent to the town parking lot, accessible from Cross Street.
Contact: middleburyshapenote@gmail.com

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COVID-19 PREVENTIVE PRECAUTIONS:
* If you don't feel well, or if anyone in your household has any COVID symptoms, please stay home and take care of yourself. If in doubt, take an Antigen rapid test on the singing day. If negative, please come!
* Full anti-COVID vaccination is expected, including a booster shot, if you are elderly or immune-compromised or over 6 months past your last booster.
*All are welcome to wear a mask anytime, anywhere.
*If you test positive up to 5 days after the event, please contact the event organizer ASAP.

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Event Info

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Sep 26, 2024, 6 to 7 PM