Shape Note Singing in Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley - Part II

Join ACHS and The Front Porch for a two-part program part of our brand-new program series - 250 Years of Local Music.

Shape note singing has deep roots in the Shenandoah Valley, coming to the area in the 19th century and finding a home in rural churches, schools, and communities. With specially designed notes that are accessible to non-musicians, the tradition continued to grow in the region. Join us for a two-part program series with noted shape note singers Kelly Macklin and John delRe. During the first program, they will not only speak to the historical significance of this music in Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley, but also perform and demonstrate shape note singing. The second program will be an interactive workshop with other local shape note singers to learn about the musical style and participate in a group singing.

**This registration is specifically for Part II, being held on Fri. September 4**

Friday, September 4 | 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

The Front Porch, 221 Water Street East

Kelly and John and other singers will lead a workshop specifically on shape note singing. It will focus on songs in The Shenandoah Harmony and The Valley Pocket Harmonist. It will include a brief review of shapes, current practice, descriptions of the musical style and actual singing. A general familiarity with music will be helpful, as this will be very interactive. Kelly and John will be joined by Cheri MacNeil and Sadhbh O'Flynn, shape note masters, singers and experts. Please join us in these events to learn more about shape note singing, its Virginia background, and musical, social, and religious roots.