A Beginner’s Guide to Shape-Note Singing

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A beginner s Guide to Shape-Note SingingHints, stories, advice, and minutiaeby Lisa GraysonFifth edition 2012 ContentsIntroduction; first impressions2Basics of Shape-Note singing3Four frequently asked questions4The story of Shape-Note music5What s with those shapes?6Anatomy of a Sacred Harp tune7Do you have a vocal identity crisis?8Intervals; sight-reading for beginners 9Suggestions for song leading11Leading your first some final leading suggestions13Tips on beating time14Why fa-sol-la?15The true Sacred Harp16Find a Singing near you 17Further reading and listening18A beginner s Guide to Shape-Note SingingFifth edition, 2012 Letter-sized handout 2012 Lisa Grayson, except Suggestions for song leading (byBecky Browne), Why fa-sol-la?

This booklet was compiled with an eye toward introducing you to the basics of the music, so that you can fully enjoy and participate in singing. Like many brand-new singers, your author fell in love with Sacred Harp music from the very first song I heard at the University of Chicago in February 1990, even though my

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