Is
Sacred Harp music "sacred"?
While the majority of the texts of the music are
religious, Sacred Harp singings may be considered either sacred
or secular events. Some singings have religious affiliations and agenda;
some do
not. The important point is that each
singer is left to find his or her own relationship to the religious,
historical and literary
aspects
of
the
texts. While it may not be considered religious by some, it is generally
considered to be spiritual by all in that it has the uplifting power
of a community raising its voice in song. A singing is a community experience
that has its roots in the "singing
schools" of
18th century New England. In fact Stephen
Jencks, one of the early composers in the
1700s, came from Providence.
-
has a triangular note head, sol -
-
is oval, la - 
- is
square and mi -
-
is diamond-shaped. "What
about do, re and ti?" you
may be wondering. They don't exist. Come to a singing and we'll explain.