Thread started: Feb 10 2008, 8:45 AM EST
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I have started a group in Johnson City and we are having monthly "workshops". We are using William Walker's "Christian Harmony." My wife and also sing the New Harp.
We had a very successful all day singing in November at ETSU with over 70 in attendance. But, the turnout for the monthly events has been underwhelming.
I recall the first time we ever heard the shapes; it was at Headrick's Chapel in 1989. Though we did not sing that day, we both knew we wanted more of it. The circumstances of our lives did limit out participation for a time. But, in the past few years, those have changed.
The problem for us was distance. There were no singings in our immediate area (upper east Tennessee) so considerable travel time was required. Today, we are at least able to make day trips for singings from both books. My happiest time is the morning of a singing - getting ready to go.
So, returning to the topic - why I love it.... I recall a hymn from the Orthodox Divine Liturgy, "Let us now lay aside all earthly cares..." When I find my place in the square, I can do that, usually. Of course, there are other things that draw me - Good fellowship, good food, honoring a tradition.
I feel blessed to now do a little to keep the tradition alive and growing and I look forward to the next time we shall sit and sing a spell.
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RE: Why I love shape note singing - why doesn't everybody?
By: Don_Wiley,
Mar 28 2008, 5:40 AM EDT
My main reason for choosing Christian Harmony is that there are more all day singings. It's a matter of travel time expended for singing time available.
I support the Monthly singing in Greeneville and that is very convenient to the Tri Cities as far as location. I thought another New Harp group here would be redundant. But, if someone started a New Harp group in Johnson City, I would support it.
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