Rhode Island All-Day Sacred Harp Singing

Wish you could sing, but worry you can’t hit all the notes? Enjoy the sound of a four-part harmony? Want to try singing in a group just for the fun of it — no rehearsals, no performances, no audience? Join singers from Rhode Island and across New England for the Rhode Island All-Day Sacred Harp Singing!

There will be a pot-luck meal at noon with plenty of food for all. Sacred Harp Singing is an American tradition of unaccompanied, four-part folk singing that dates back to 18th century New England and migrated to the American South in the 19th century.

The name is derived from The Sacred Harp, a ubiquitous and historically important tunebook printed in shape notes, a musical notation in which the notes are represented in shapes to indicate their scale degree (i.e. fa, sol, la, etc.) The event typically draws about 100 singers with a wide range of experience levels.

There is no audience, and this is not a performance, it is a participatory event. Come sing for each other and for the joy of making music together. You don’t need to know how to read music to start singing, and you don’t need to have a beautiful voice. Sacred Harp is sung at a full-voice, so it can be loud at times. It may not be as “pretty” as the singing of a well-practiced church choir, but it is a powerful form of making music, having fun and building community. There will be opportunities for newcomers to learn how to sing, or you are welcome to sit and enjoy the music. Food is an important part of the Sacred Harp singing tradition, with singers preparing dishes for several days in advance of the event. Newcomers are welcome to join us for “dinner on the grounds” at noon with a variety of delicious food and regional specialties.